Idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome and the phospholipids in the amniotic fluid

A simple potentiometric method is described for the automated assay of lipase in duodenal juice. The procedure utilizes a pH meter connected to a classical blood pH assembly made of a reference and a capillary electrode. A potentiometric recorder connected to the pH meter is adjusted for a full scale deflection corresponding to 0.5 pH unit.Samples containing 0.4 to 2 enzyme units in 2 ml are analyzed at a rate of 30 assays per hour. Each sample is incubated for 4 min with a tributyrin emulsion prepared in a mixed buffer at pH 8. The buffer composition ensures a linear response of pH versus H* liberated by lipolysis.