Articles

The Effect of lschaemia on Acid Phosphatase, β-Glucuronidase and Lactic Acid Dehydrogenase in Lymph from Hind Paw of the Rabbit

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Abstract

The effect of ischaemia of the hind paw of the rabbit on the release of the lysosomal enzymes, acid-phosphatase and β-glucuronidase, and of lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH) was assessed by measuring the activities of these enzymes in the lymph from the paw before and at varying intervals after the release of a tourniquet applied for 4 hr just above the ankle.

Histologically, this degree of ischaemia produced considerable necrosis of the plantar muscles with ultimate regeneration within 4 weeks.

The levels of activity of the lysosomal enzymes in lymph from the normal paw were less than those in plasma. The mean lymph:plasma ratios were 0.38 for total protein, 0.28 for acid-phosphatase and 0.08 for β-glucuronidase, suggesting that these enzymes in the lymph were derived mainly from the plasma with a degree of molecular sieving at the blood capillary wall. Ischaemia increased the permeability of the capillaries to all these macromolecules, but there was no evidence of any appreciable release of lysosomal enzymes from the injured cells or from the invading phagocytic cells.

During the period of muscle degeneration from l to 7 days after release of the tourniquet, the level of activity of β-glucuronidase was significantly less in lymph from the affected paw than in lymph from the normal paw. It seems likely that in the areas of muscle necrosis the enzyme in the tissue fluid originating from the blood plasma was involved in the lytic processes of the damaged muscle cells.

How to Cite:

Courtice, F. & Adams, E. & Dempsey, J., (1972) “The Effect of lschaemia on Acid Phosphatase, β-Glucuronidase and Lactic Acid Dehydrogenase in Lymph from Hind Paw of the Rabbit”, Lymphology 5(2), 67-80.