Calpain and calpastatin enzymes in turkey blood and their distribution in breast and thigh muscles

The aim of this study was to compare the concentration of calpain and calpastatin enzymes in blood and their distribution in skeletal muscles of turkey. These enzymes were extracted both from blood and skeletal muscle samples using tris-buffer of 50 mM (pH 6.7), dialyzed at 12 kDa MWCO cellulose filter, and finally, purified and separated on DEAE-Sephacel anion exchange column. Activity analysis was performed using spectrophotometric technique. Results revealed that breast muscle contained significantly higher (P<0.05) μ-calpain concentration as compared to blood and thigh muscles. But m-calpain concentration, was higher in thigh muscle than breast or blood. Concentrations of both the domains of calpain (μ-&-m)were also differed significantly (P<0.05) in blood, breast and thigh muscle samples in between 42 wks and 32 wks age groups of male and female turkey. Significant differences (P<0.05) were also found in calpastatin levels amongst the samples. So, the study envisaged that breast muscle contained highest amount μ-calpain but intermediate concentration of m-calpain and calpastatin. This study is also confirmed the importance of determining both the calpains as well as calpastatin in blood since values generated from this sample has delivering direct information for possible concentration of these enzymes may found in breast and thigh muscles.