The significance of the detection of alkaline phosphatase in the diagnosis of neuromuscular diseases.

The occurrence of alkaline phosphatase was observed in regenerating muscle fibres, especially in polymyositis and muscular dystrophy. No differences in the appearance of this enzyme were seen in these diseases. Alkaline phosphatase was not encountered in neurogenic atrophy, with the exception of cases of an accompanying myopathy. These cases show a clear picture without problems in the morphological differential diagnosis. The histochemical demonstration of the enzyme is helpful in the differential diagnosis of neurogenic atrophy and muscular dystrophy of benign type. It is of no use to distinguish between muscular dystrophy of malignant type and parenchymatous polymyositis.