aGDPH

To identify the glycolytic potential of muscle fibers, we use a histochemical assay for a-GlyceroPhosphate Dehydrogenase (aGPD).
During anaerobic activity, ATP is generated in the cell cytoplasm of muscle cells using glycolysis.

aGPD is an enzyme that transports NADH needed for ATP production, into the mitochondria.
Therefore aGPD activity directly relates to the glycolytic activity of a muscle cell.
Glycolytic muscle fibers will appear darker than non-glycolytic when using this test.

Histochemical assay of muscle fibers using the enzyme aGPD. Muscle fibers are illustrated in different shapes and sizes, laying close to each other. The glycolytic muscle fibers are colored dark pink and the non-glycolytic fibers are light colored. Most of the fibers in this illustration are colored dark pink and are therefore glycolytic muscle fibers

Fig.1 aGDPH staining of skeletal muscle