Blood and liver biochemical indices of the dystrophic chicken model

The dystrophic chicken line 413 (University of California, Davis) and its genetically related normal line 412 were investigated for possible differences in serum blood chemistry indices and hepatic cytochrome P-450 content at two and three different ages ex ovo, respectively. There were statistically differences in the serum levels of creatine kinase, SGOT, uric acid, and phosphorus between normal and dystrophic animals at 34 and 48 days ex ovo. In the dystrophic animals, the elevations in uric acid and phosphorus levels may be suggestive of renal dysfunction, while the elevations in SGOT levels may indicate the presence of hepatic abnormalities. The hepatic concentrations of cytochrome P-450 and cytochrome b₅ were not different between normal and dystrophic animals at 34, 48, and 70 days ex ovo.