Myocardial Enzymes in Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

Homogenates from 6 selected sites in each of 40 hearts were analyzed for oxalacetic transaminase concentration. In the control group (no clinical or anatomic evidence of heart disease), the levels of transaminase within each individual heart were quite comparable. In study group I (acute infarction with myocardial necrosis) there was a significant decrease in concentration of transaminase in the areas of infarction. Study group II (healing and healed infarction with fibrosis) also revealed decreased transaminase concentrations. In study group III (presumed early infarcts) there were significant decreases in myocardial transaminase; however, no muscle necrosis was found. The possibility that these cases represent fresh infarction resulting in death before histologic changes occur is discussed.