Fraction of CPK is an enzyme that is elevated in a myocardial infarct is:
**Core Concept**
The question is testing the knowledge of specific enzymes that are elevated in the context of myocardial infarction (MI). Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) is an enzyme that is released from damaged myocardial cells into the bloodstream, making it a biomarker for MI. Among the various isoenzymes of CPK, a specific fraction is particularly associated with cardiac damage.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct fraction of CPK is CK-MB (Creatine Kinase-Myocardial Band). CK-MB is a subtype of CPK that is predominantly found in cardiac muscle cells. After a myocardial infarction, CK-MB is released into the bloodstream, where it can be measured to help diagnose and monitor the extent of cardiac damage. This occurs because the damage to the myocardial cells leads to the breakdown of the cell membrane, releasing the intracellular contents, including CK-MB.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is not specified, but it is likely meant to be another fraction of CPK, such as CPK-MM (Muscle Band), which is primarily found in skeletal muscle cells. While CPK-MM can be elevated in various muscle injuries, it is not as specifically associated with myocardial infarction as CK-MB.
**Option B:** This option is not specified, but it could be referring to CPK-BB (Brain Band), which is primarily found in brain tissue. CPK-BB is not typically associated with myocardial infarction and is more relevant to neurological disorders.
**Option C:** This option is not specified, but it could be referring to Troponin, a protein that is also elevated in the context of myocardial infarction. While Troponin is a highly sensitive and specific biomarker for cardiac damage, it is a different class of molecule from CPK and is not a fraction of the CPK enzyme.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In the context of myocardial infarction, the ratio of CK-MB to total CPK is often used to help diagnose and monitor cardiac damage. A ratio of 5-10% or higher is typically considered indicative of a myocardial infarction.
**Correct Answer: C. CK-MB. Creatine Kinase-Myocardial Band.**