Enzyme alterations in brain tissue during the early postmortal interval with reference to the histomorphology: review of the literature.

The state of research on enzyme alterations in brain tissue during the early postmortal interval is surveyed with special reference to the histomorphology; the questions currently discussed in the literature are given special consideration. The type of alterations appearing during the postmortal interval and their dependency on the length of the interval are described so that practically applicable conclusions may be drawn. The findings on enzyme alterations presented in the literature (enzymes of the oxidative metabolism, transmitter, enzymes) are compiled in tables. It could be shown that important structural alterations ascertainable with light microscopy and quantitative alterations in enzyme activity ascertainable with biochemical methods do not usually occur during a 6- to 8-h postmortal interval. Qualitative investigations (i.e., histoenzymatic studies) with longer postmortal intervals and with positive findings are applicable.