LACTATE AND MALATE DEHYDROGENASES (LDH & MDH) IN THE REGENERATING TAIL OF THE LIZARD, MABUYA CARINATA

LDH and MDH were studied histochemically in the normal and regenerat-ing tail of the lizard, Mabuya carinata. This study revealed an identical pattern of localization and distribution for these two enzymes during the various stages of regeneration. A slight initial fall in activity during the earlier phases was quickly followed by a gradual rise of activity during the later phases of regeneration. The high activity of MDH alongwith LDH in the light of hitherto reported low activities of SDH and ICDH is indicative of a strong pyruvate centered metabolism with lactate, oxaloacetate and malate acting as important coparticipants. The revelations of this investigation tends to indicate the existance of a short cycle similar to that of pyruvate shuttle reported in vertebrate liver and muscle. This cycle has the advantage of supplying NADPH2 an important cofactor for lipogenesis. Further significance of this cycle is discussed.