Serum Aldolase Activity in Neuromuscular Disorders. 2. Experimental Application. ∗

Summary

Thirty-three mongrel dogs were submitted to a variety of experimental procedures instituted for the purpose of creating various forms of experimental muscle atrophies. Dogs in which either the femoral nerve was sectioned or the entire cauda equina root system was severed showed a delayed and erratic depression of tissue phosphorylase b and aldolase, and in parallel fashion, a delayed but transient rise in the serum aldolase. Dogs in which the atrophy was caused by tendon section or compromise of the arterial blood supply, showed no depression of the tissue enzymes or commensurate elevation of the aldolase level within serum. The degree of atrophy, as determined by histologic measurement of the implicated muscle fibers, however, was approximately equivalent in all groups. These findings are in concurrence with the clinical data accumulated in the application of the serum aldolase test and appear to indicate that atrophy consequent to denervation may be distinguished from atrophy of other causes by the moderate and transient rise in the serum aldolase.