| Pyruvate kinase is an enzyme
that is used to convert ADP into ATP in low levels of oxygen, which can
also be referred to as anaerobic metabolism. Without ATP, the
cells can swell up and then begin to disintegrate. Pyruvate kinase
is found in the red blood cells and can be deficient in certain individuals;
however, this is a recessive gene. When this occurs the red blood
cells deteriorate (called hemolysis) at a rate that is faster than usual,
or there is not enough oxygen carrying hemoglobin in the blood, which is
called hemolytic anemia. Hemolytic anemia is rare, but is also the
most common defect of the glycolic pathway. This type of anemia may
be inherited or develop as you age. As a result there is a test to show
the levels of pyrvuate kinase in the blood. When this test is done,
blood is collected and white blood cells are removed because they can disturb
the results. |