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Published on: August 15, 2019
ISOENZYMIC SPECIFICITY OF IMPAIRED CLEARANCE IN MICE INFECTED WITH RILEY VIRUS
Abstract:
The clearance from the plasma of purified lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme No. 5, which is increased in the plasma of mice infected with Riley virus, is impaired during the infection. That the clearance of purified isoenzyme No. 1 is unchanged by infection with Riley virus provides an explanation of why only the lactate dehydrogenase-5 isoenzyme activity is elevated in the plasma of infected mice.
Insights
Riley virus infection impairs the plasma clearance of lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme 5 in mice. This selective clearance defect explains the elevated lactate dehydrogenase-5 activity observed in infected animals.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Riley virus infection in mice leads to elevated plasma lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity.
- Lactate dehydrogenase exists in various isoenzyme forms, with LDH-5 often implicated in cellular stress and disease states.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo clearance mechanisms of specific lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes during Riley virus infection.
- To determine if altered isoenzyme clearance contributes to the observed increase in plasma LDH activity.
Main Methods:
- Purified lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme No. 5 and No. 1 were administered intravenously to mice.
- Plasma concentrations of these isoenzymes were monitored over time in both infected and control mice.
- The rate of clearance was calculated based on plasma decay curves.
Main Results:
- The plasma clearance of purified lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme No. 5 was significantly impaired in mice infected with Riley virus.
- In contrast, the clearance of purified lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme No. 1 remained unchanged in infected mice compared to controls.
- This selective impairment in LDH-5 clearance directly correlates with the elevated LDH-5 activity found in the plasma of infected mice.
Conclusions:
- Riley virus infection specifically affects the catabolism or removal of lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme No. 5 from circulation.
- The impaired clearance of LDH-5, not an increase in its production, is the primary reason for elevated LDH-5 plasma levels during Riley virus infection.
- These findings highlight a specific host-pathogen interaction impacting enzyme homeostasis.

