Blood Carbonic Anhydrase Activity and Zinc Concentration in Infants with Respiratory-Distress Syndrome

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Abstract
CARBONIC anhydrase is a zinc metalloenzyme that reversibly catalyzes the hydration of carbon dioxide to bicarbonate and hydrogen ions according to the following equation1: The enzyme is found in red blood cells, kidney, gastric mucosa and, to a lesser extent, the central nervous system, lungs, pancreas and salivary glands.2 Roughton3 and, more recently, Enns4 have discussed the importance of this enzyme for the physiologic transport of carbon dioxide.Earlier investigators found less carbonic anhydrase activity in the blood obtained from newborn infants than from adults, and an even lower enzyme activity in blood obtained from premature infants5 6 7 8 and fetuses. . . .