Research Abstract
Tyrosinase activity in human skin. Influence of race and age in newborns.
AI Summary
Key Findings
0:00 / 0:00
0:00 / 0:00
Abstract
Tyrosinase has been measured in homogenates of foreskins from newborn babies. The tyrosine hydroxylation reaction is dependent upon 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine as a cosubstrate, and the Km for tyrosine is 0.15 mM, similar to the value observed for other mammalian tyrosinases. The mean enzyme activity for black babies (n = 169) is about two and one-fourth times that for white babies (n = 82). For white babies there is a significant correlation between age at circumcision and tyrosinase activity. For black babies this correlation becomes significant when four individuals with extremely high tyrosinase activities are omitted from the series.
External References
- PubMed ID:
- 804495
- DOI:
- 10.1172/JCI108014
Comments
Sign in or create a free account to join the conversation.
Sign in to commentBe the first to comment.