Spectrophotometric method for selective assay of the five isoenzymes of human lactate dehydrogenase, based on their different stabilities at alkaline pH.

Abstract

After preincubation of human lactate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.27) isoenzymes 1 through 5 with lactate at pH 9.4, 9.8, 10.25, and 10.6 at 30 degrees C for 10 min, the reduction of NAD+ was measured at the same pH values and temperature during the interval 1-2 min after adding the coenzyme. Relative to the reference activities measured at pH 8.7 by the method of Buhl et al. (Clin Chem 23: 1289-1295, 1977), the respective activities of isoenzymes 1 through 5 thus measured were 111, 104, 96, 68, and 0% at pH 9.4; 123, 108, 88, 0, and 0% at pH 9.8; 140, 100, 0, 0, and 0% at pH 10.25; and 138, 0, 0, 0, and 0% at pH 10.6. These relations allow selective assay of the respective isoenzymes in samples containing mixtures of them. Optimal conditions for such selective assay at 37 degrees C are reported.