Abstract
Human red blood cells (RBC) contain a monoester lipase (MEL) activity which is tightly associated with the cell membrane and has its active site externally oriented, as inferred from the ability of the intact cell to hydrolyse an exogenously added lipid substrate. Membrane-bound MEL activity was measured by a radiochemical assay in intact RBC from 29 untreated hyperthyroid patients. The mean (+/- S.D.) MEL level was higher (P less than 0.01) in these patients (1220 +/- 212 mu./10(12) RBC) than in the control group (1010 +/- 120 mu./10(12) RBC). There was no difference between men and women. The increase in MEL values was associated with significantly (P less than 0.001) decreased values of mean cellular volume and mean cellular haemoglobin content. A continued study of 13 patients, who became euthyroid with treatment, showed a normalization of the MEL values in RBC. The increased lipolytic potency of RBC represents a new characteristic of hyperthyroid patients. Further exploration of the possible diagnostic or prognostic implications of this enzymatic change seems warranted.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
