INFLUENCE ON POSTMORTEM RIGOR OF FISH BODY AND MUSCULAR ATP CONSUMPTION BY THE DESTRUCTION OF SPINAL-CORD IN SEVERAL FISHES

Influence of destruction of spinal cord on the post-mortem rigor and m uscular ATP consumption was examined in yellowtail, red sea bream, and plaice. In case of yellowtail and red sea bream, the sample whose spi nal cord was destroyed (tested sample) showed 6-12 hours delay in reac hing full-rigor compared with the control sample. On the other hand, i n case of plaice, the tested sample attained full-rigor faster than th e control, and the control sample did not reach to full-rigor during 2 4 h storage. Rate of ATP consumption was slower in the tested than the control in yellowtail and red sea bream. In case of plaice, the ATP c ontent was almost the same in both of the tested and the control, and was much in the control for 15-24 h storage. Then, it was concluded th at destruction of the spinal cord delayed ATP consumption and process of post-mortem rigor except for the case of plaice, and such a special ty of plaice would be caused by the inferiority of autonomic nerve dev elopment.