Improved accuracy of cholinesterase phenotyping after participation in a proficiency survey.

We report results of an investigation into the proficiency of cholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.8) phenotying, assessed in 13 laboratories between 1983 and 1986. Thirty-two specimens of serum were distributed for analysis: two, each in duplicate, from the eight genotypes that can be recognized by differential enzyme inhibitor numbers. The accuracy of genotype ascription was markedly improved over that observed in an earlier study in which 12 of these laboratories took part, although the proportion of clinically significant errors did not change. Consequently, although participation in a proficiency testing program can lead to a considerable enhancement of performance, we still recommend the use of reference centers for detailed cholinesterase studies.

Regulation of carbohydrate metabolism in cultured mammalian cells: energy provision in a glycolytic mutant.

The metabolism of radioactively labelled D-glucose, L-glutamine, and L-glutamate has been determined in a glycolytic mutant of Chinese-hamster ovary cells, R1.1.7, and in its parent, CHO-K1. The complete oxidation of glucose via the TCA-cycle is negligible in both cell types, but there is significant oxidation of carbon-1. CHO-K1 cells derive most of their energy from glycolysis and are independent of respiration in the short term. R1.1.7 cells are respiration-dependent and are rapidly killed by respiratory inhibitors. Both cell types oxidize L-glutamine and L-glutamate, but oxidation of these substrates does not appear sufficient to satisfy completely the energy requirements of R1.1.7 cells.