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Acid phosphatase activity in pre- and post-spawning hake (Merluccius hubbsi)
Summary
Muscle acid phosphatase activity significantly increases after spawning in hake, correlating with connective tissue changes and altered muscle texture. This suggests a role for lysosomal enzymes in post-spawning muscle remodeling.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Marine Biology
- Histology
Background:
- Muscle texture changes in fish post-spawning are common.
- The role of specific enzymes like acid phosphatase in these changes is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific activity and localization of muscle acid phosphatase (E.C. 3.1.3.1.) in hake before and after spawning.
- To correlate enzyme activity with observed changes in muscle tissue.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme assays were performed to determine specific acid phosphatase activity.
- Histochemical staining was used to localize the enzyme within muscle tissue.
Main Results:
- Specific activity of muscle acid phosphatase was 0.54 in pre-spawning hake and 1.64 in post-spawning hake.
- Histochemical analysis revealed acid phosphatase primarily in connective tissue, with the strongest reaction in post-spawning fish.
- Increased lysosomal activity was observed in the connective tissue of post-spawning hake.
Conclusions:
- Spawning induces a significant increase in muscle acid phosphatase activity in hake.
- The enzyme is localized in connective tissue, and its heightened activity post-spawning may contribute to muscle texture alterations.
- Lysosomal enzyme activity is likely involved in the physiological remodeling of muscle tissue during the post-spawning period.