Using various storage and conservation methods, we examined amputated and subsequently replanted limbs for their ischaemia tolerance level by investigating the changes in the adenylphosphocreatine system and glycolysis cycle. After replantation, amputated limbs that had been stored at room temperature (21.0 +/- 1.5 degrees C) for 2 hours were examined 14 days after operation. The adenosine triphosphate level of the skeletal muscle was reduced to 51% and the creatine phosphate to 77% of that of the control group. The glycogen was 13% of the normal value. The biochemical findings correlate with the histomorphological findings. After 2 hours ischaemia, the cross striations of the skeletal muscle and nuclear staining remained intact. There is a breakdown of the biochemical systems after 4 hours of ischaemia. They are no longer intact and the ischaemic limb does not recover. Histologically, muscle necrosis can be observed.