Stability of enzymes in urine at 37 degrees C.

The activity of alanine aminopeptidase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, lactate dehydrogenase and beta-N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase in urine at 37 degrees C was investigated by a model simulating in vivo conditions. The stability of these urinary enzymes is influenced particularly by pH. At low pH values in urine (about pH 5.0) the four first-mentioned enzymes rapidly lose a considerable part of their activity, whereas beta-N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase is inactivated at higher pH values in urine (about at pH 8.0). This inactivation effect is also time-dependent and can be modified by urinary substances such as creatinine, urea and electrolytes. To avoid misinterpretation of enzyme activity determinations in urine, the simultaneous measurement of urinary pH should be performed.