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Abstract
An analysis of the ontogeny of LDH isoenzynies in the lens of the White Leghorn chick showed the progressive appearance of 9 molecular forms. LDH 1-5 appear progressively during embryonic development, while 4 additional isoenzymes became apparent in the lens of chickens after hatching. In vitro studies of LDH activity at high and low pyruvate concentrations showed that the embryonic lens contained predominantly the M type of enzyme. After hatching, there is a progressive increase in H type LDH. The specific activity of the M type decreases nearly twofold from embryonic to mature adult lenses, while that of the H type does not change significantly.