A Simple and Sensitive Method for the Measurement of Deoxycytidylate Deaminase Activity

Abstract

A method for the assay of deCMP deaminasef based upon the measurement of ammonia formation by means of the Berthelot reaction is described. Saturating con-centrations of substrate are used. The activity is linear with time for several hours, and with enzyme concentration. Composition of the incubation medium, repro-ducibility, and enzyme stability are studied. The method is reasonably simple to perform, reproducible, and sensitive. Values obtained with some normal tissues and serum are presented, and the possible significance of measurable activity in human serum is discussed.