Immunological identity of urinary alkaline phosphatase in health and disease

Urinary alkaline phosphatase has been measured and an investigation has been undertaken involving starch gel electrophoresis after treatment of the enzyme with antisera raised against various human tissues. Urine was obtained from patients with bone and liver disease as well as pregnant women and normal persons. The enzyme level in urine in disease and pregnancy was raised above the normal but considerable overlap occurred. After electrophoresis the most usual finding was a single zone of activity although occasionally very minor zones were also present. Antiserum to kidney had the greatest affinity for the urinary enzyme. Decreasing affinity was found with intestinal and placental antiserum. No affinity was found with liver antiserum.