ARGINASE (L-arginine ureohydrolase EC 3.5.3.1) is present in mammals and plants. In humans, arginase is expressed predominantly in the liver and, to a lesser extent, in the breast, kidney, testes, salivary glands, epidermis, and red blood cells.
Arginase catalyzes the conversion of arginine to ornithine and urea, completing the last step of the urea cycle. Arginase activity is a key diagnostic indicator. Elevated levels of arginase activity in the blood have been associated with liver damage.
Arginase deficiency hyperargininemia is an inherited autosomal recessive disease. Simple, straightforward, and ready-for-automation procedures for measuring arginase activity in biological samples are highly desirable in Drug Discovery and Research.
The BioAssay Systems Arginase Assay Kit provides a sensitive and convenient method for the determination of arginase activity. The method uses a chromogen that forms a specifically colored complex with the urea produced in the arginase reaction. The intensity of the color is directly proportional to the arginase activity in the sample.