A computerized system to measure intracellular enzymes in cardiac muscular fibres

The authors describe a computerized system for measuring lactic (LDH) and succinic (SDH) dehydrogenase enzymes in myocardial cells of aging rats. Fragments of the left ventricle were supercooled, and a cytochemical reaction was implemented to determine SDH and LDH content. These enzymes were evaluated by a cytophotometer. The measurements were electronically converted to logarithmic functions, codified, introduced into a tape perforator, and processed in a computer using the Zelk program in Fortran. The results showed no change in the amount of SDH, whereas LDH decreased in the older groups. The authors conclude that the use of computerized systems is an important aid in obtaining an accurate quantitative cytochemical study. It simplifies the analysis of intracellular enzymes in myocardial cells