Enzymic micro-determination of succinate and fumarate in tissue homogenates

Abstract

A specific enzymic method is described for the determination of small amounts of succinate and fumarate in tissue homogenates, with the aid of a homogenate of rat liver as a source of succinic dehydrogenase and triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) as electron acceptor. Amounts of both acids from 10 γ upwards can be determined with an accuracy of about ± 5%. Evidence has been presented suggesting the participation of DPN and some other cofactor in the transfer of electrons from succinate to TTC, functioning as terminal acceptor, catalysed by succinic dehydrogenase.