The effect of exercise on the lactic dehydrogenase and creatine kinase isoenzyme composition of horse serum.

This research aimed to understand the effects of exercise on two specific enzymes in horse serum – lactic dehydrogenase and creatine kinase – and identify the tissue contributing to the increase in these enzymes after physical exertion.

Study Design and Methodology

• The research examined the distribution of three enzymes – lactic dehydrogenase, aldolase, and creatine kinase – in various horse tissues.
• Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, a technique that separates proteins based on their size and charge, was applied to observe the isoenzyme composition of horse serum. Isoenzymes are different versions of an enzyme that perform the same function but can exist in different proportions in various tissues.
• The experiment involved comparing the isoenzyme composition in horse serum taken pre and post-exercise to understand the changes in the enzyme levels due to physical activity.
• Additionally, the researchers obtained the isoenzyme patterns of horse tissue to identify any correlation with increased serum enzymes after undertaking exercise.

Key Findings

• Through a comparative analysis of tissue and serum patterns, it was discovered that the skeletal muscle tissue is the source of increased levels of lactic dehydrogenase and creatine kinase in horse serum post-exercise.
• This finding suggests that during physical activity, the skeletal muscle breaks down, releasing the enzymes lactic dehydrogenase and creatine kinase into the bloodstream resulting in an increased presence in the horse’s serum.

Significance of the Study

• This study has provided beneficial insights into how exercise impacts the enzyme profile in a horse’s bloodstream, crucial for understanding equine physiology, health, and performance.
• Understanding the origin of increased enzyme levels after physical activity might help design better training and recovery programs for horses. It may provide valuable pointers when diagnosing health conditions related to muscle damage or fatigue.