Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Activity in Papuans

Abstract

DURING a recent investigation into hæmolytic and other anæmias in Papuans the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-P D) activity of erythrocytes was estimated in 45 cases. Blood was collected into heparin, and on several occasions into acid–citrate dextrose solution, and dispatched by air to Melbourne, arriving the same day. The G-6-P D activity was estimated in the Biochemistry Department of the Peter MacCallum Clinic, Melbourne, by the method described by Hsia¹. By this method normal readings are 150–210 units/100 ml. The enzyme appears to be relatively stable for at least a week, provided the cells remain intact. The highest values were obtained in cases of thalassæmia major, acute hæmolytic anæmia of undetermined cause, and congenital hæmolytic ansemia of unknown cause. There was no significant difference in the results obtained, whether A.C.D. solution or heparin was used as an anti-coagulant. The twelve subjects used as controls all gave readings within the accepted range of normality.