Responses of enzymic characteristics of gastrocnemius muscle were studied when frogs (Rana pipiens) were exposed to cold environment (4 degrees C). 2. The content of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) decreased significantly after cold exposure. This decrease was greater in starved than in fed frogs. 3. Although the glycogen content did not change, lactate levels were lower in cold-exposed than room-temperature (control) frogs. No change was observed in glycogen and lactate between fed and unfed frogs kept at 4 degrees C for 2 months. Lactate dehydrogenase activity tended to increase during chronic cold exposure, but not significantly. 4. The activities of citrate synthase, cytochrome oxidase, and beta-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase were higher in gastrocnemius of chronically cold-exposed frogs than in room-temperature controls. This increase was statistically significant only in the muscles of starved frogs; these muscles had the greatest decrease in ATP. 5. It was suggested that chronic cold exposure decreases skeletal muscle ATP content but may not affect glycolysis. The data also suggested that the decrease in ATP content stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis which increases enzyme activities.
