Observations on the isoenzymes of creatine kinase in equine serum and tissues.

This research studied the distribution of creatine kinase isoenzymes in equine serum and tissues and found that negligible amounts of the MB form of the isoenzyme are present in horses’ hearts. Hence, its levels in serum are not reliable for detecting cardiac damage in horses.

Research Goals and Methodology

• The primary objective of this research was to understand the distribution of creatine kinase isoenzymes in the serum and selected tissues of horses.
• The researchers used ion exchange chromatography to separate the isoenzymes and confirmed their presence with cellulose acetate electrophoresis.

Research Findings

• The distribution of creatine kinase isoenzymes in horses appeared to follow patterns observed in other species. The MM dimer of the isoenzyme was found to be present in tissues such as voluntary and non-voluntary muscles, thyroid, liver, spleen, lungs, and intestines.
• The BB dimer appeared to dominate in the brain, pancreas, kidney, intestine, lung, spleen, liver, and thyroid. However, in the four hearts examined, less than 1.5 per cent of total creatine kinase activity was attributable to the MB form of the isoenzyme.
• The MB isoenzyme was noticed in intestine and spleen tissues but was found in considerably tiny quantities in the heart tissue.

Conclusion and Implications

• The researchers concluded that the measurement of the MB isoenzyme in equine serum is not a useful method to detect myocardial or cardiac damage in horses.
• Due to the negligible presence of the MB isoenzyme in equine heart tissue, relying on its serum measurement for cardiac damage detection could lead to inaccurate diagnosis.
• The researchers acknowledged that further detailed studies are required to assess the clinical relevance of the isoenzyme pattern found in serum or other body fluids, if measuring creatine kinase isoenzymes is to be used as a diagnostic aid.