Radioimmunoassay for erythrocyte acidic GSH S-transferase.

We have developed a RIA for erythrocyte acid glutathione S-transferase (GST), which is immunologically identical to major GSTs from other blood cell components, and measured its serum concentrations in various hematological disorders. In some patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, chronic myelocytic leukemia, polycythemia vera and myelofibrosis, the concentrations were high. Very high levels were found in 2 of 3 patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia, while acute myelocytic leukemia exhibited a modest increment. No or little increase was seen in aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndrome except chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. It is suggested that the measurement of serum acidic GST may be of use as a clinical marker of increased destruction and/or overproduction of blood cells.