Normal activities of hepatic pyruvate dehydrogenase and pyruvate carboxylase in Leigh's syndrome.

Abstract
A case of Leigh''s syndrome (subacute necrotizing encephalomyelopathy, SNE), proven by autopsy, was reported. The persistent elevation of pyruvate and lactate in blood and hyperalaninemia suggested an impairment of pyruvate oxidation, but the enzyme activities of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) and pyruvate carboxylase (PC) in liver tissues of the patient revealed normal. Leigh''s syndrome and both enzyme deficiencies are most likely distinct entities.