Scientific publications

The activity of cytochrome c oxidase (EC 1.9.3.1) in white skeletal muscles of some fish species from Northwest Russia was studied. The activity ranged widely among species. The highest level of activity was found in the White Sea herring Сlupea pallasi marisalbi and Arctic flounder Liopsetta glacialis, and in the muscles of anadromous fish – Atlantic salmon Salmo salar and brown trout Salmo trutta. Some related species such as Salmo salar and Salmo trutta (Salmonidae), perch Perca fluviatilis and European pike.perch Stizostedion lucioperca (Percidae), roach Rutilus rutilus and bream Abramis brama (Cyprinidae) had similar levels of cytochrome c oxidase activity. Age-related changes in the enzyme activity were identical in all the species independent of the taxonomy. The activity was the highest in 0+, 1+ and 2+ fish, decreasing thereafter. Sex-related differences in cytochrome c-oxidase activity were observed at the age of maturation in the White Sea herring, brown trout, roach, and vendace. The enzyme activity in the muscles was higher in females than in males.