alkaline
(al´kә-līn)
(-lin)
having the reactions of an alkali.
having a pH greater than 7.0.
alkaline phosphatase
an enzyme localized on cell membranes that hydrolyzes phosphate esters liberating inorganic phosphate and has an optimal pH
of about 10.0. Serum alkaline phosphatase activity is elevated in hepatobiliary disease, especially in obstructive jaundice,
and in bone diseases with increased osteoblastic activity such as hyperparathyroidism, osteitis deformans, and bone cancer. The liver and bone tissue each produce a distinct isoenzyme.

Copyright 2007. An Elsevier publication. All rights reserved.
Click here for important legal information about Dorland's Medical Dictionary.
|