Overview

• Membrane-associated enzyme.
• Highest levels in renal tubular epithelial cells, canalicular surfaces of hepatocytes and bile duct epithelium - also present in pancreas and small intestine.
• Hepatobiliary system is main source of serum GGT in health and disease.

Sampling

Tests

Methodologies

• Vary between laboratories.

Availability

• Widely available.

Validity

Sensitivity

• Lower sensitivity than ALP in detection of liver disease, but greater specificity.

Specificity

• Lower sensitivity than ALP in detection of liver disease, but greater specificity.

Technique (intrinsic) limitations

• Test results most significant in conjunction with other laboratory results and clinical findings.
• Canine colostrum contains large amounts of GGT; with colostral absorption in neonates see marked increases in GGT levels (<1000X).

Result Data

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from VetMedResource and PubMed.
• Center S A, Slater M R, Mainwarren T et al (1992) Diagnostic efficacy of serum alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyltransferase in dogs with histologically confirmed hepatobiliary disease - 270 cases (1980-1990). JAVMA 201, 1258.

Other sources of information

• Ettinger S J & Feldman E C (2000) Eds. Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 5th edn. W B Saunders & Co, USA.
• Kaneko J J, Harvey J W & Brass M L (1997) Eds. Clinical Biochemistry of Domestic Animals. 5th edn. Academic Press, USA.
• Duncan J R, Prasse K W & Mahaffey E A (1994) Veterinary Laboratory Medicine. Clinical Pathology. 3rd edn. Iowa University Press, USA.