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Argininosuccinase Activity in Brain Tissue

Nature volume 188, pages 235–236 (1960)Cite this article

Abstract

A NEWLY recognized form of mental deficiency, probably caused by an inborn error of metabolism, has been described1. The unknown metabolite, now known to be argininosuccinic acid2, found in this disease was present in the plasma, cerebrospinal fluid and urine. The concentration of this amino-acid was higher in the cerebrospinal fluid than in the plasma, suggesting that the compound is formed in the brain or some other organ in close association with the fluid. Apart from these patients, argininosuccinic acid has never yet been found, even in traces, in plasma, cerebrospinal fluid or urine of man or rats, nor can it be detected in extracts of rat liver, kidney or brain.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Medical Unit, University College Hospital Medical School, University Street, London, W.C.1

    S. TOMLINSON & R. G. WESTALL

Authors
  1. S. TOMLINSON
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  2. R. G. WESTALL
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TOMLINSON, S., WESTALL, R. Argininosuccinase Activity in Brain Tissue. Nature 188, 235–236 (1960). https://doi.org/10.1038/188235a0

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