The isoenzymes of aspartate transaminase differ in their kinetic properties in that the cytoplasmic isoenzyme is more readily inhibited by adipate and by 2-oxoglutarate (substrate) at low pH. A differential kinetic assay based on this phenomenon has been optimised for use in assays of serum samples. The new method agrees well with an immune absorption procedure. Methods based on chromatographic separation of the isoenzymes fail in the presence of serum.