22684 Lysozyme (Muramidase), Plasma (MURA)

As a screening test for ocular sarcoidosis.

Confirming marked increases in the granulocyte or monocyte pools as in granulocytic or monocytic leukemias, myeloproliferative disorders, and malignant histiocytosis

​1.  Centrifuge and transfer plasma to a plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.

2.  Freeze immediately after transferring. 

​All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.

​Increased levels may be seen in nonmalignant disorders including sarcoidosis, infections, Crohn's disease, kidney transplant rejection, and other renal disorders.

​Lysozyme is a bacteriolytic enzyme that is found in some hematopoietic cells. It is primarily present in granulocytes, monocytes, and histiocytes. The enzyme is present in only minute amounts in lymphocytes; and is not present in myeloblasts, eosinophils, and basophils. 

Lysozyme in the plasma comes chiefly from the degradation of granulocytes and monocytes and its concentration reflects the turnover of these cells. Increases are seen in benign (eg, infection, inflammation) and malignant processes (eg, some leukemias). Plasma lysozyme is elevated in patients with acute or chronic granulocytic or monocytic leukemias and falls with successful treatment. Conversely, patients with lymphocytic leukemia may have depressed plasma lysozyme levels.

Patients with renal disorders (including rejection of transplanted kidneys) or Crohn disease (regional enteritis) also tend to have elevated levels of plasma lysozyme.