The ontogenic characteristics of lactate dehydrogenase isozymes in mammaliam pre-implantation ova.

The onotgenic characteristics of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) isozymes in mammalian pre-implantation ova have been reviewed. Evidence has been provided that the ova of mice and other mammalian species contain enzyme activity in a masked form, and display turnover processes which possess distinctive characteristics by comparison with those in adult tissues. Also, the extraordinary high levels of LDH in the extracellular secretion of the mammaliam oviduct have been commented on, along with the influence of reproductive hormones on the activity and type of this enzyme. In addition, attention has been drawn to the unique characteristics of the oval micro-evironment, and the influence which such factors may exert on the realization of enzyme phenotype during early mammalian development.