Relation Between Blood Cell Phosphoglucomutase Isoenzymes and Age of Cell Population

Phosphoglucomutase isoenzymes of human and rat blood cells of various mean ages have been examined by starch gel electrophoresis and a specific staining technique. Among the enzyme components related to each genetic allele, there is a relative excess of the cathodal component in red cell population of low mean age and in white cells, whereas in red cell populations of normal mean age there is a relative decrease in the cathodal and an increase in the anodal components. The findings suggest that the cathodal component represents the protein determined by the gene and synthesized by the cells, and that the anodal components are formed from the cathodal one during ageing of the cells. The nature of the conversion is discussed.