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Research Article Free access | 10.1172/JCI106863
Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195
Department of Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195
Find articles by Goldstein, J. in: JCI | PubMed | Google Scholar
Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195
Department of Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195
Find articles by Campbell, B. in: JCI | PubMed | Google Scholar
Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195
Department of Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195
Find articles by Gartler, S. in: JCI | PubMed | Google Scholar
Published April 1, 1972 - More info
Uncultured human leukocytes contain no detectable cystathionine synthase activity. A method is described in which the addition of phytohemagglutinin (PHA) to short-term lymphocyte cultures results in a significant induction of enzymatic activity. This PHA-stimulated activity has characteristics that resemble those previously described for cystathionine synthase of normal liver and cultured fibroblasts. Lymphocyte cystathionine synthase activity is completely dependent on the presence of homocysteine and is absent or severely deficient in extracts from individuals with the syndrome of homocystinuria. This system for induction of cystathionine synthase in lymphocytes thus provides a simple in vitro technique for (a) diagnosing homocystinuria, (b) studying the mechanism of enzyme regulation and differentiation, and (c) examining the nutritional and hormonal control of cystathionine synthase activity both in normal subjects and homocystinuric patients.
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