Kokichi Soyama

Enzymatic fluorometric method for the determination of d-arabinitol in serum by initial rate analysis

We describe a new, simple, fluorometric assay for D-arabinitol in serum. The method is based on oxidation of D-arabinitol by D-arabinitol dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.11), with the concomitant reduction of NAD. The initial rate of NAD reduction, which is proportional to the D-arabinitol content of serum, can be measured with a recording spectrofluorometer. Sensitivity, specificity, recovery and reproducibility experiments gave satisfactory results. The proposed method is suitable for clinical use, and may be helpful in the diagnosis of invasive candidiasis.

Sensitive fluorometric detection of heat-stable alkaline phosphatase from bloodstains for the forensic diagnosis of pregnancy

Sensitive and simple procedures are established for the forensic pregnancy test from bloodstains. This paper describes new techniques based on heat stability of placental alkaline phosphatase. In this study the total and heat-stable alkaline phosphatase activities were determined using 4-methylumbelliferyl-phosphate as substrate. The ratio of heat-stable alkaline phosphatase to total alkaline phosphatase was calculated. A more simple screening test which was visible by exposure to UV light is described. These may be helpful in the diagnosis of pregnancy from only a slight bloodstain.