Carbonic anhydrase isoenzymes in the erythrocytes of new-born premature and full-term infants.

A specific and quantitative immunological method for the determination of human erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase isoenzymes B and C has been used to determine these enzymes in erythrocytes of umbilical cord blood. The investigations have shown a content of both isoenzymes less than 1:10 of that in adults. Premature infants have significantly lower values than full-term infants. The influence of carbonic anhydrase in the respiratory distress syndrome is discussed. No conclusions are drawn. The content of carbonic anhydrase in erythrocytes has been suggested as a laboratory parameter of maturity. In our investigations it does not seem to be useful for the evaluation of muturity.