Comparison of ornithine aminotransferase activities in the pigment epithelium and retina of vertebrates.
1. The specific activities of ornithine aminotransferase (OAT) in the pigment epithelia, retinas, and livers from several classes of vertebrates were assayed. 2. The specific activities of OAT were much higher in the pigment epithelia from mammals and birds than in their respective retinas or livers. 3. Pigment epithelium from porcine eyes had the highest specific activity measured. The specific activity of OAT in the pigment epithelium from the pig was five times higher than the OAT activity in its retina and 13 times higher than the OAT activity in its liver.
Ratzlaff
K
K
Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville 62026.
Baich
A
A
D000818:Animals; D004848:Epithelium / Q000201:enzymology; D008099:Liver / Q000201:enzymology; D009953:Ornithine-Oxo-Acid Transaminase / Q000378:metabolism*; D010858:Pigmentation; D012160:Retina / Q000201:enzymology*; D013045:Species Specificity; D000637:Transaminases / Q000378:metabolism*
D000637:Transaminases; D009953:Ornithine-Oxo-Acid Transaminase