Isolation, characterization and seasonal variations in the concentration of N-epsilon-(gamma-glutamyl)-lysine isodipeptide in the blood plasma of the winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus).

A ninhydrin-positive compound was isolated from the plasma of the winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) and identified as the isodipeptide N-epsilon-(gamma-glutamyl)-lysine. Wide seasonal variations in plasma concentration of this compound are found in the male flounder, whereas it is present only in trace amounts in the plasma of the female flounder throughout the year. In the male flounder the plasma concentration of N-epsilon-(gamma-glutamyl)-lysine rises from January to a peak in May and June. It is during these latter months that the flounder spawn. After spawning, the plasma concentration of the isodipeptide decreases to low basal values in October. These changes in plasma concentration of N-epsilon-(gamma-glutamyl)-lysine may be related to changes in testes weight, spermatogenesis and spawning activity of the winter flounder.