Serum phospholipase A2 in intensive care patients with peritonitis, multiple injury, and necrotizing pancreatitis.

To study the source and role of circulating phospholipase A2 (PLA2) catalytic activity we monitored the serum from patients with necrotizing pancreatitis (n = 8), diffuse peritonitis (n = 6), and multiple injuries (n = 11). Immunoreactive PLA2 serum protein concentration was analysed using a fluoroimmunoassay based on an antibody against human pancreatic PLA2. Serum PLA2 catalytic activity was analysed using a radiochemical method based on a substrate with tritiated palmitic acid in beta position.