Background of the antigen
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) removes phosphate groups from the 5' end of DNA and RNA, and from proteins, at high pH. Most mammals have 4 different isozymes: placental, placental like, intestinal and non tissue specific (found in liver, kidney and bone). Tissues with particularly high concentrations of ALP include the liver, bile ducts, placenta, and bone. Damaged or diseased tissue releases enzymes into the blood, so serum ALP measurements can be abnormal in many conditions, including bone disease and liver disease.
