Overview

• Occurs as 3 isoenzymes in skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle and central nervous system (CNS).Only skeletal muscle is thought to contribute to significant elevations in serum. Elevations in CSF may reflect muscle or nervous system origin.
• Most sensitive indicator of muscle damage: may be used to check for over-exertion after a training session.
• Levels peak 6-12 h post-injury, returning to normal in 2 days.
• Half-life = 2 h.

Sampling

Tests

Methodologies

• Enzymatic method involving reduction of NADP+.

Availability

• Routine test, widely available.

Technician (extrinsic) limitations

• Routine test.

Result Data

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
• Valbert J S, Macleay J M et al (1999) Skeletal muscle metabolic response to exercise in horses with 'tying-up' due to polysaccharide storage myopathy. Equine Vet J 31 (1), 43-47.
• Beech J (1997) Chronic exertional rhabdomyolysis. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 13, 145-168.

Other sources of information

• Harris P A & Mayhew I G (1998) Musculoskeletal Disease. In: Equine Internal Medicine. Eds: S M Reed & W M Bayly. W B Saunders, USA. pp 371-426.
• Kaneko J J, Harvey J W & Bruss M L (1997) Eds. Clinical Biochemistry of Domestic Animals. 5th edn. Academic Press, USA.

Organisation(s)

• Veterinary commercial laboratories, State diagnostic laboratories or Veterinary College laboratories.