Optimal reaction conditions for assaying human lactate dehydrogenase pyruvate-to-lactate at 25, 30, and 37 degrees C.

Optimal reaction conditions for assaying human lactate dehydrogenase pyruvate-to-lactate were determined for isoenzymes 1 and 5 at 25, 30, and 37 degrees C. Three of the nine different buffers examined--imidazole, triethanolamine, and N-tris(hydroxymethyl)-methyl-2-aminoethane sulfonic acid--are satisfactory. Beta-NADH, pyruvate, and hydrogen ion concentrations were chosen to measure both isoenzymes with maximal-equal-sustainable efficiency at the lowest substrate concentrations. Approximately 95% of each isoenzyme is measured, for activities up to threefold the upper normal limit, if the measurements are made immediately after the reaction is initiated. The Arrhenius relationship for each isoenzyme is unique. Interconversion of results from one temperature to another is practical only with reservations. Results at 37 degrees C are not as reliable as those at 25 degrees C.