A comparative analysis of the tissue esterases of the white crappie (Pomoxis annularis rafinesque) and black crappie (Pomoxis nigromamaculatus lesueur) by electrophoresis and selective inhibitors

1. 1. The multiple forms of soluble esterases were compared for the brain, liver and skeletal muscle of the white and black crappie. 2. 2. The two species exhibited a high tissue specific gene function. 3. 3. No soluble cholinesterase activity was found; however, carboxylesterase, arylesterase and acetylesterase activity was present. 4. 4. The esterases of the brain and liver were similar between species in terms of multiplicity, substrate utilization and inhibitor sensitivity. However, the skeletal muscle of the white crappie contained esterase bands inhibited by p-HMB (arylesterase) whereas the black crappie did not. 5. 5. The inhibitory properties of fourteen organophosphate and carbamate compounds were compared for the esterases of the two species.