Serine-Ethanolamine-Phosphate, Taurine and Free Amino Acids of Muscle in Hereditary Muscular Dystrophy of the Chicken.

Abstract
Summary Carnosine and anserine were decreased in pectoral muscle of chickens with hereditary muscular dystrophy, while levels of other free amino acids except hydroxyproline were increased. The increases in levels of taurine and serine-ethanolamine-phosphate (SEP) were more than 10-fold in adult dystrophic chickens. These two substances could be used as diagnostic signs of muscular dystrophy. In the 2-week-old dystrophic chicks SEP was preceded by an unknown compound which disappeared as SEP began to appear.