Effects of Anoxia on Respiratory Enzymes of the Rat and Hamster

Abstract

The activity of cytochrome oxidase of liver, heart, and brain homogenates of the albino rat and golden hamster decreased significantly after exposure of homogenates to a N2 atmosphere for 15-30 min. Cytochrome oxidase and malic dehydrogenase activity in rats and hamsters killed by subjecting the animals to N2 was also detd. Significant decreases were evident in the cytochrome oxidase activity of heart and liver of rat and in the heart of the hamster. Malic dehydrogenase activity of hamster tissues showed a consistent decrease; activity of rat brain also significantly decreased. Significant correlations between rat heart cytochrome oxidase activity, hamster liver malic dehydrogenase activity and survival times of the respective animals were obtained.