Usefulness of some biochemical indicators in detection of early stages of nutritional muscular dystrophy in lambs

Abstract

Selenium (Se) level, and the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and its isoenzymes were estimated in 30 lambs suspected of having the subclinical form of nutritional muscular dystrophy (NMD) and in 30 healthy lambs. A significant Se deficiency, a reduction in the activity of GSH-Px, an increase in CK, AST, and LDH activities were found in the unhealthy lambs. Isoenzymatic profile of LDH showed five fractions. In the unhealthy lambs, there was a significant increase in LDH 5 fraction-muscular isoenzyme, which is specific to the skeletal muscle. These indicators however, remained within their normal physiological ranges in the healthy lambs.