Biochemical studies on human adenosine deaminase related to neurological function and the effect of blood transfusion and some inhibitors on its activity

Human erythrocyte adenosine deaminase [adenosine aminohydrolase ADA, EC 3.5.4.4] in normal and some patients suffering from mental retardation was investigated before and after transfusion therapy. We standardized a new and simple spectrophotometric assay of adenosine deaminase based on the continuous monitoring of the reaction products, inosine and ammonia by a NADH-coupled enzyme system. The inhibitory effect of some adenosine analogues on the activity of erythrocyte adenosine deaminase was investigated