Quantitative histochemistry of canine cardiac Purkinje fibers

Single canine Purkinje cells were isolated by microdissection and analyzed quantitatively for six enzymes of energy metabolism. Subendocardial Purkinje cells were clearly distinguishable morphologically and biochemically from adjacent myocardium and had enzyme levels comparable with extramural Purkinje cells. Oxidative enzymes, citrate synthase, malate dehydrogenase, and beta-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase were 40-60% lower in Purkinje cells than in myocardium. Lactate dehydrogenase was also 40% lower, but the other glycolytic enzymes, hexokinase and phosphofructokinase, were similar in level in myocardium and Purkinje cells. The results of this study show that it is completely practicable to apply quantitative histochemical analysis to biochemical study of the cardiac conducting system.