Adaptation to anoxia on snakes: Levels of glycolytic enzymes in skeletal muscle

Abstract

The specific activities of the enzymes lactate dehydrogenase, phosphorylase, phosphofructokinase and hexokinase were determined in skeletal muscle from a range of aquatic and terrestrial snakes. The results are interpreted as reflecting a gradation in adaptation to temporary muscle anoxia, and this view correlates well with the life styles and activity patterns of the animals.