Adaptation to temporary muscle anoxia in Anurans: Activities of glycolytic enzymes in muscles from species differing in their ability to produce lactate during exercise

Abstract

Specific activities of the enzymes lactate dehydrogenase, phosphorylase, phosphofructokinase and hexokinase were determined in hind leg musculature taken from four species of anuran having different capacities for producing lactate during exercise. The specific activities of phosphorylase, phosphofructokinase, and the ratio phosphorylase: hexokinase were highest in animals having high increments of lactate following exercise, and lowest in those showing low increments. The specific activities of these glycolytic enzymes could possibly be used as an index of the reliance of different species on anaerobic energy production. Lactate dehydrogenase activity was not well correlated with anaerobic capacity.