Purification and characterization of the multiple forms of aldehyde reductase in ox kidney.

Aldehyde reductase from ox kidney cytosol has been fractionated into four forms, two of which have been purified to apparent homogeneity. One of the minor forms is shown to be heterogenous on polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. The substrate specificities of the four forms using a variety of aldehydes and ketones are presented. The sensitivity of the various forms to inhibition by sodium valproate, sodium barbitone and various benzodiazepines has been determined. The relationship of these forms to the previously described hexonate dehydrogenase, aldose reductase and prostaglandin dehydrogenase is discussed.