Immunodiffusion studies on human liver and erythrocyte arginases

Differential expression of the two human arginase genes in hyperargininemia. Enzymatic, pathologic, and molecular analysis.

“…The erythrocyte line is considered to be a secondary (perhaps fortuitous) expressor of the Al isozyme predominantly found in liver, the main site of ureagenesis; earlier kinetic and immunologic studies had indicated an identity between the arginases of these two cell types (30)(31)(32). However, direct confirmation of the inferred enzyme deficiency in liver in hyperargininemia has taken somewhat longer since it requires liver biopsy, a procedure not typically mandated for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes in these patients.…”

A successful trial of enzyme replacement therapy in a case of argininemia.

“…Arginases in red blood cells and in the liver are thought to be encoded with the same gene. This was confirmed by the coordinated lack of the enzyme in both the erythrocytes and liver from a patient with argininemia (Cederbaum et al 1979) and was also proven by kinetic and immunological similarities of purified arginase from human erythrocytes and livers (Cabello et al 1961(Cabello et al , 1965.…”

Immunohistochemical study of arginase in cancer of the stomach

“…The main function of human hepatic arginase is the production of urea in the detoxification of ammonia [3], but the metabolic function of extrahepatic arginase in erythrocytes [2], leucocytes [3], macrophages [9] and kidney [3] remains unclear. Moreover, many studies [6,15,17] also indicate a potent immune inhibitory effect of arginase.…”