Carbonic Anhydrase I and II Levels in Erythrocytes of Chronic Renal Disease Patients

Carbonic anhydrase isozymes, carbonic anhydrase I and II, also known as carbonate dehydratase, were isolated and purified from human erythrocytes. Rabbits were then immunized and the respective types of antisera were prepared. Using the antisera obtained, the carbonic anhydrase I and II levels in erythrocytes of healthy persons and patients with chronic glomerulonephritis, primary nephrotic syndrome, lupus nephritis and those undergoing chronic hemodialysis were determined by the single radial immunodiffusion method.

Results showed that primary nephrotic syndrome, lupus nephritis and chronic hemodialysis patients had significantly higher carbonic anhydrase I levels than healthy persons, but an increase in carbonic anhydrase I level could not be demonstrated in patients with chronic glomerulonephritis.

The carbonic anhydrase II level in chronic glomerulonephritis, primary nephrotic syndrome, lupus nephritis and chronic hemodialysis patients was significantly higher than that of healthy persons.

Further, in the patients with chronic glomerulonephritis, a significant positive correlation was observed between carbonic anhydrase I and BUN, serum creatinine and total cholesterol levels, while there was a negative correlation between the PSP 15-minute value. Also a significant positive correlation was found between carbonic anhydrase II and total cholesterol levels.

It is concluded that the determination of carbonic anhydrase I and II levels in human erythrocytes are important for the follow-up and evaluation of prognosis in chronic renal disease patients.