Clinical applications of lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes.

A quantitative electrophoretic test for the determination of lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes was applied to the analysis of human tissues, cells and fluids in order to obtain their normal isoenzyme patterns and to form a reference record. The same test was employed in the analysis of serum samples from patients with defined pathological conditions. The abnormal serum isoenzyme patterns were correlated with the tissue patterns, thus indicating the origin of the abnormality. This type of correlation, together with the clear demonstration of the actual isoenzymes and their quantitation, improves diagnostic discrimination and enhances the early detection of a biochemical abnormality that aids in the prevention of disease.