Microenzymatic assays for lysosomal enzymes in primary amniotic fluid cell cultures

Abstract

A study of three lysosomal enzymes (hexosaminidase, ß-galactosidase and α-galactosidase) in normal primary amniotic fluid cell cultures using a micro-enzymatic assay is presented. No difference in enzyme activity was found between primary and amniotic cell cultures in passage number one. A progressive change in the proportions of hexosaminidase A and hexosaminidase B with time was demonstrated in culture. The feasibility of this procedure for the early prenatal diagnosis of disorders due to lysosomal enzyme deficiency is discussed.