Tissue sources and clinical application of four enzymes in phocid seals

Tissue distribution and plasma activity values of creatine kinase (CK), aldolase (ALS), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), and leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) were determined in 6 ringed seals, Phoca hispida, and in 7 harp seals, P groenlandica. Muscle tissues had the highest activity of CK and ALS, though high activity of ALS was also in most other tissues. The LAP and GGT were mostly concentrated in the kidneys; tissue LAP activity was generally low. Reference plasma values were determined in 17 ringed and 15 harp seals. The CK and GGT, respectively, are recommended for monitoring exertional stress and hepatobiliary dysfunction in phocid seals.