Overview

• Number of isoenzymes produced in a range of tissues (liver, kidney, intestine, placenta).
• Increased plasma levels are derived from liver and bone.
• Good indicator of liver disease and cholestasis.
• Short half-life of ALP in the cat, therefore any rise likely to be significant.

Sampling

Tests

Methodologies

• Method and normal range may vary between laboratories.
• Electrophoretic or other separation method necessary to measure activity of individual isoenzymes.

Validity

Sensitivity

• Sensitive indicator of cholestasis or hyperadrenocorticism Hyperadrenocorticism, but not specific.

Technique (intrinsic) limitations

• Test results most significant when interpreted in conjunction with other laboratory results and clinical findings.

Result Data

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.

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.