METABOLISM IN INFECTION: STUDY ON THE ENZYMATIC DAMAGE IN KIDNEY OF GUINEA PIG INFECTED WITH MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS

Abstract

Malic dehydrogenase activity of the kidney homogenate from normal and tuberculous guinea pigs was estimated. A defect in the electron transport chain was detected at the level of flavoprotein-diaphorase system. A significantly high DPNase activity of kidney homogenate was also found in the infected group. Niacin and phenazine methochloride could correct both the defects and improve the tetrazolium reduction of the homogenate in the infected group to the level of the normal activity. Oxidative phosphorylation by the kidney mitochondria from the tuberculous guinea pigs was low and could not be improved by niacin and phenazine methochloride, unlike their effects on the reduction of tetrazolium. Results are discussed in the light of the over-all intercellular economy and its relation to the symptom complexes in tuberculosis.