Lactate dehydrogenase in two digenetic trematodes and their host.

Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the two digenetic trematodes, Gigantocotyle explanatum from the liver and Gastrothylax crumenifer from the rumen of the water buffalo, Bubalus bubalis revealed the presence of at least six and seven isoenzymes of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), respectively in a partially purified enzyme preparation. The respective host tissues showed five isoenzymes of LDH, which are characteristic to the vertebrates. Both parachloromercuribenzoate and iodoacetate affected the LDH activity of the parasites and host tissues differently. Spectrophotometric analysis also showed different specific activity and susceptibility to the action of thiol inhibitors. The host LDH was quite stable at 57 degrees C for 30 min, but that of the parasites was less stable.