Encapsulation of PEG-Urease/PEG-AlaDH Within Sheep Erythrocytes and Determination of the System's Activity in Lowering Blood Levels of Urea in Animal Models

Abstract

Urease and AlaDH enzymes immobilized on active PEG derivatives were encapsulated at different ratios within sheep erythrocytes and their activity, encapsulation yields and erythrocyte recovery levels were assessed. Encapsulated derivatives were administered at given dosages and at given intervals to sheep having raised blood urea levels as a result of addition of urea to their feed, and the lowering of their blood urea levels and the change in the amount of ammonia were followed. Results were analyzed using day related NPar. Wilcoxon Signet Ranks test. It was found that 1 ml of PEG-enzyme preparation comprising PEG-urease/PEG-AlaDH at an activity ratio of 3/9 U:U/ml remained active for a period of 2 days, whereas 1 ml erythrocyte preparation, prepared under the same conditions and containing PEG-urease/PEG-AlaDH at an activity ratio of 2.15/4.5 U:U/ml, showed activity for a period of 6 days. It was shown that a single dose achieved a daily decrease of 21.7–61.6 mg/L in the blood urea level, and created no significant increase in the blood ammonia levels. No antigenic effect was observed for the PEG-enzyme preparations in the immunological test carried out.