Intestinal alkaline phosphatase-like properties of horse kidney alkaline phosphatase.

The study examines and observes that the alkaline phosphatase enzyme found in horse kidneys has similar properties to the same enzyme found in horse intestines. This suggests that the kidney enzyme is more closely related to the intestinal version, not the one found in the liver.

Study Methodology and Procedures

• The researchers used cellulose acetate electrophoresis to identify two isoenzymes of alkaline phosphatase from horse kidneys.
• This technique allowed them to separate and analyze the two variants of alkaline phosphatase on the basis of their charge and size.
• The alkaline phosphatase from horse kidneys was then compared to the same enzyme from horse intestines and liver in terms of its antigenicity and its response to levamisole inhibition.

Results of the Study

• The results showed that horse kidney alkaline phosphatase shared similar properties with horse intestinal alkaline phosphatase. Both in terms of its antigenicity (ability to provoke an immune response) and its response to levamisole inhibition (a method of reducing its activity).
• It was also found that horse kidney alkaline phosphatase was different from horse liver alkaline phosphatase.

Interpretation of the Results

• Based on their observations, the researchers suggested that the alkaline phosphatase found in horse kidneys is an expression of the same gene locus (position on a chromosome) that produces the enzyme in the intestines, not the one that produces it in the liver.
• That is, the kidney and intestinal types of alkaline phosphatase appear to be more closely related, and are likely the products of the same gene variant.
• Meanwhile, the liver version of the enzyme is likely the product of a different gene variant, based on its observed differences from the kidney and intestinal types.