A sensitive microplate-based continuous-monitoring (kinetic) assay for serum neutral endopeptidase (EC 3.4.24.11) activity.

A sensitive microplate-based continuous monitoring (kinetic) assay is described for the determination of serum neutral endopeptidase (EC 3.4.24.11) activity. The relatively simple technique is suitable for routine and serial measurements of neutral endopeptidase activity in human serum and other body fluids using a kinetic microplate reader. In 38 healthy blood donors (27 males, 11 females, age range 19-51 years) the mean activity of the enzyme was 3.43 +/- 1.02 U/l. The activities did not differ between sexes (P = 0.895, N.S.).