Diagnostic Laboratory Section

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Increased ALP activity

• Increased intrabiliary pressure induces an increased ALP production by hepatocytes and bile duct epithelial cells; sequestration of bile in biliary system causes increase release of ALP molecules into blood.
• In Cholestasis, ALP increases before bilirubin concentration rises. Lesions primarily involving the intra, extra cellular hepatic biliary system is common causes of cholestasis result in hepatocyte swelling can obstruct small bile canaliculi and also induce ALP production and release.
• Increased serum ALP activity associated with increased osteoblastic activity, often seen in young, growing animals.
• Osteosarcoma and other bone neoplasms inconsistently result in increased ALP activity.
• Bone healing usually results in localized increases in osteoblastic activity leading to increase in  ALP in serum.
• In feline hyperthyroidism and bone lesions involving extensive lysis, remodeling or both and hepatic lipidosis cause increased ALP activity.
• ALP activity is increased when greater production is induced by certain drugs particularly anticonvulsants and corticosteriods, and a variety of chronic diseases, including neoplasia.
• In advance stage of pregnancy increased activity of ALP is seen due to  increased production from placenta.