The free amino acids of fish. 1-Methylhistidine and β-alanine liberation by skeletal muscle anserinase of codling (Gadus callarias)

Abstract

1-Methylhistidine and beta-alanine are liberated in codling skeletal muscle post mortem at 0[degree]. They derive from anserine by the action of a new muscle enzyme "anserinase". Partial purification of anserinase from cell-free extracts is obtained by dialysis and acetone-fractionation. Anserinase is activated by Zn2+. High concentrations of Zn2+ are inhibitory. Some evidence is available that the enzyme is naturally Zn2+ activated.