[LDH- and MDH-isoenzymes in the costo-chondral junction in experimental lathyrismus and under additional medication with 6-methyl-prednisolone and O-(beta-hydroxyethyl)-rutosides].

Several classic studies suggest that experimental lathyrism is not only based on an extracellular distrubance of collagen fibre maturation but on a disturbed cellular energy metabolism. To exemplity this in assessment of skeletal damage the isoenzymes of LDH and MDH on the bone metabolism have been determined. Thus in experimental lathyrism the capacity for glycolysis and for oxidative energy production are significantly diminished in the rib bones and rib cartilage. The resulting reduction of glycoseaminoglycans in the ground substance, thus disturbing the function of the matrix in the formation of collagen fibres. In the bone the lack of mature collagen fibres leads to a mineralisation disturbance because of impaired nucleation function. Thus experimental lathyrism cannot be regarded as a disturbed extracellular collagen metabolism. "Venoruton" could not correct the lathyrogenic disturbance of energy metabolism, but after 3 weeks 6-methyl-prednisolone caused a normalisation of the state of energy metabolism.