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Appl Environ Microbiol. 1971 September; 22(3): 344-349
Copyright © 1971 American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Rapid Methods for Determining Decarboxylase Activity: Ornithine and Lysine Decarboxylases

Department of Clinical Pathology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Hospital, Houston, Texas 77025
Tumor Institute at Houston, Houston, Texas 77025
University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas 77025

ABSTRACT

A rapid biochemical method for the determination of ornithine and lysine decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.18) activity has been developed for use in the routine clinical laboratory. It is based on the detection of the amine end product produced in response to the single key amino acid added to a synthetic medium. A modified ninhydrin reagent is used to detect the amine after a chloroform extraction. This procedure can be used with a 1- to 4-hr incubation period (utilizing an initial concentrated inoculum) or with an overnight culture. Thus, measurements based on the alkalinization of the medium after a lengthy incubation period are avoided. Optimal parameters for enzyme activity are discussed.

¹ Present address: The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston, 109 Herman Professional Bldg., Houston, Tex. 77025.