Positional information and pattern regulation in hydra: enzyme profiles.

Certain key enzymes of alternative pathways of glucose metabolism, of amino acid metabolism and of redox systems have been measured in hydra and this profile compared with mammalian differentiated tissues with a view to locating pathways of specific importance in hydra. There was a marked constant proportionality in the major part of the enzymes investigated, the profile suggested a metabolic pattern geared to utilization of amino acids as a carbon source for biosynthesis and energy production and to the production and conservation of pyruvate. The importance of conversion to ionized forms was noted. The most notable specific proportion changes were the exceptionally low lactate dehydrogenase, malic enzyme and the relatively high citrate synthase. The proximal-distal gradients in hydra were examined and these gradients suggested a switch to a more anaerobic type of metabolism and an elevation of the pentose phosphate pathway as the basal region was approached. Measurements of the formation of 14CO2 from specifically labelled glucose provided additional evidence for the functional activity and polarity of the pentose phosphate pathway in hydra. The effect of oligomycin, which can reverse polarity in hydra, had a significant effect on gradients of enzymes eliminating all except that observed for G6P dehydrogenase. The profile suggested a movement towards a more anaerobic type of metabolism, in keeping with the known biochemical action of this inhibitor. It is suggested that redox states and/or phosphorylation states may be featured in the positional information of cells in hydra.