Quantitative Microdetermination of Enzymes in Sweat Gland

Abstract

Introduction Because of the accessibility of sweat gland in the living patient, this tissue has seemed to provide a favorable approach to identification of the basic defect in cystic fibrosis. This disease is manifested by various exocrine disorders including excessive sodium chloride concentration in the sweat, pancreatic deficiency, and presumably a defect of the bronchial mucous glands which leads to the chronic bronchitis. Particular enzymes have been selected for study on basis of their possible significance in the disordered secretory process and also on basis of their quantitative determinability on a suitable microscale. Methods Isolation of Sweat Gland Tissue .—Skin plugs were taken from the back, just below the iliac crest, by means of a high-speed rotary drill of 3 mm. diameter. 1 One per cent procaine was used to infiltrate the area, and 4 to 8 plugs were taken at once. The plugs were imbedded in partially frozen tragacanth