Immunohistochemical localization of cathepsin B and L in the white muscle of chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) in spawning migration: probable participation of phagocytes rich in cathepsins in extensive muscle softening of the mature salmon

Abstract

The study was undertaken to elucidate the cause of the enhancement of catheptic activity in the white muscle of chum salmon during spawing migration The study may provide a new concept that makes clear the mechanisms of protein turnover taking place in the muscle of the salmon and the extensive muscle softening, i.e., the muscle tissue degradation occurring after the death of the fish