Identification of rat liver carboxylesterase isozymes (EC 3.1.1.1) using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing

The banding pattern of rat liver carboxylesterases (EC 3.1.1.1) was demonstrated following polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing using standardized conditions. Phenotypic variations, occurring in commonly used inbred rat strains, were compared. Separate isozymes were identified using genetic nomenclature. Individual bands were labelled; their electrophoretic parameters were estimated. Three hitherto genetically undefined zones were described and preliminarily classified as carboxylesterase isozymes. A scheme was provided to enable identification of liver esterases in rat strains not investigated in the present study.