A specific fluorogenic assay for N-acetylgalactosamine-4-sulphatase activity using immunoadsorption.

A method combining immune capture and enzyme detection by fluorochemistry has been developed for the diagnostic assay of N-acetylgalactosamine-4-sulphatase (4-sulphatase). The procedure uses a monoclonal antibody 4-S 4.1 to immunoadsorb 4-sulphatase specifically from complex protein samples containing other sulphatases, and 4-methylumbelliferyl sulphate to detect captured 4-sulphatase. The assay provides an accurate and simple method for the diagnosis of Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome (Mucopolysaccharidosis type VI).