Maximum activities of energy metabolism related enzymes, myofibrillar ATPase and concentrations of carnitine, lipids and myoglobin have been assayed in heart and white muscle of the ice-fish Channichthys rhinoceratus. Results are compared with those of the redblooded Paranotothenia magellanica. Increased activities of glycolytic enzymes and extremely high lactate dehydrogenase activity have been found in icefish heart, suggesting a substantial involvement of anaerobic glycolysis under conditions of oxygen depletion. During normoxia, ATP generation is achieved via oxidative pathways of carbohydrate or fatty acid catabolism. Possible implication of the myocardium in homeostatic regulation by lactate oxidation is also discussed. |
