Characterization of chymotrypsin activity during early ontogeny of larval red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus)

The temporal evolution of chymotrypsin activity during early ontogeny of laboratory reared red drum larvae was accomplished using a combination of biochemical assays and electrophoretic methods (substrate SDS-PAGE). Optimal functional conditions for chymotrypsin were also determined. Chymotrypsin activity was first detected prior to the onset of exogenous feeding. Total chymotrypsin activity increased with age and standard length. Specific activity was greatest on day 10 post-hatch. Maximal chymotrypsin activity was observed at 50 °C, pH 7.8, and Ca2+ concentration of 25 mM. Using substrate gel electrophoresis and specific inhibitors the molecular weight of red drum chymotrypsin was estimated to be 26–27 kD. Our results indicate that the digestive system of red drum larvae is capable of alkaline proteolysis before first feeding and suggest that chymotrypsin may have potential as an indicator of nutritional condition.