Simultaneous Determination of 5′-Nucleotidase and Alkaline Phosphatase Activities in Serum

A simple method is described for the simultaneous determination of alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1) and 5'-nucleotidase (EC 3.1.3.5) in serum. The method is based on the determination of inorganic phosphorus released by the action of the two enzymes on adenosine-5'-monophosphate at pH 9.5 (200 mmol/l tris-buffer) in the presence and absence of L-cysteine. This amino acid at a concentration of 2--10 mmol/l was found to be a specific inhibitor for alkaline phosphatase but with no effect on 5'-nucleotidase activity.