The Measurement of Enzymes by Radioimmunoassay

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Abstract
The difference between catalytic assays for enzymes, which assess function, and immunoassays which assess structure is emphasized. More than 40 papers, relating to the determination of enzyme levels by their concentration, which were published by Dec. of 1975 are reviewed. Based on these data a case is advanced: that bioassays will remain the technique of choice in clinical chemistry for those enzymes such as plasmin which effect their physiological role in the biological fluid in which they are being determined; that the combination of bioassay and immunoassay may prove of value in many basic biochemical studies; and that immunoassays may partially and gradually replace catalytic enzyme assays for the many enzymes which do not effect their physiological role in the biological fluid in which they are being determined. Such assays will have particular relevance for isoenzymes and for those enzymes for which circulating inhibitors exist. This approach may enable the development of assays for tissues markers other than enzymes.