[Enzyme activities of leukocytes in skin cut wounds with various wound ages]

A study was carried out on leukocyte enzyme activity from prints of skin cut wounds of guinea pigs at various time intervals after the injury. The following enzymes were examined: alkaline and acid phosphatase, succinate, lactate, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenases. Cytochemical analysis revealed a rapid increase in enzyme activity in the 4th h after the wound occurred, which can be explained by the alteration in leukocyte metabolism induced by the damaging agent, i.e., the skin trauma inflicted. The rise in lactate dehydrogenase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity is the most characteristic feature. In accordance with these changes in enzyme activity, some conclusions can be made about certain intracellular alterations. There is a close relationship between the course and the degree of these cellular changes and the time interval between the injury and examination of the enzyme activity. These changes make it possible to draw conclusions concerning the vital character and the interval after inflicting as well.