Maturation of Succinic Dehydrogenase and Cytochrome Oxidase in Neonatal Rat Kidney

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Abstract
Newborn rats of the Wistar strain were serially sacrificed at 1-72 days and their kidneys examined histochemically for succinic dehydrogenase and cytochrome oxidase activity. Maturation of these enzymes in regard to apparent quantity and sites of distribution was noted. An adult appearance was first appreciated at 39 days after birth. The lack of complete- enzymatic activity observed in the immediate neonatal period could not be correlated with excessive protein excretion since it was found, contrary to previous references, that abnormal proteinuria did not prevail during this period. Recognition of the segmental development of these enzymes provides evidence for differences encountered in neonatal and adult renal function.