Patterns of Nucleotide Catabolism as Freshness Indicators in Flatfish from the Gulf of Alaska

Hypoxanthine was the major catabolite of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in rock, yellowfin, flathead and Dover soles examined from the Gulf of Alaska. Inosine monophosphate (IMP)/hypoxanthine (Hx) ratios were as effective as K 1 values for assessing freshness. In contrast, inosine (HxR) was the end catabolite in rex sole and hypoxanthine was barely detectable. The gradual accumulation of hypoxanthine in rock and yellowfin soles made this catabolite a useful freshness indicator for these species.