Arginase distribution in tissues of domestic avian species

Arginase catalyzes the hydrolysis of L-arginine to yield L-ornithine and urea. Its wide tissue distribution in mammals, important roles in different biochemical pathways, and incompetence of information about the distribution of this enzyme in tissues of different avian species directed us to design this study. Arginase activity was assayed by diacetyl monoxime method for determination of enzymatically formed urea in tissue homogenates of different tissues of few species of birds. The protein content of tissues was determined by Lowry method. Arginase is present in almost all organs of avian species studied, albeit in different levels. The heart and skeletal muscles of chicken were the richest sources of arginase followed by different parts of small intestine, while in pigeon and quail, only the heart contained significant activity. The results of this study will be discussed in terms of the possible involvement of arginase in several biochemical and physiological functions in these species and candidate this enzyme as a biomarker for cardioskeletal disorders but not an indicator for monitoring hepatic injuries.