Aim: In this study, effects of ultrasound homogenisation (Sonication) technique on the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, levels of lipid peroxidation and total protein in liver homogenates were investigated.

Materials and Methods: Postmortem healthy fresh calf liver was used as the material. Liver was sliced and grouped as mechanical homogenisation (2 min) and sonication group (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 second sonication). Activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, levels of lipid peroxidation and total protein were measured in supernatant of homogenisated samples by spectrophotometric methods.

Results: Superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase activities and total protein levels in mechanical group were significantly different from sonication groups (P<0.05). In sonication groups, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were higher and catalase activity was lower from mechanical group (P<0.05). As regards glutathione peroxidase activity, 8 sec sonication group was the lowest compared to 2, 4, 6 (P>0.05) and 10 sec (P<0.05) groups whereas 8 sec catalase activity was the highest compared to other sonication groups (P<0.05). Total protein level was the lowest in 8 sec group compared to the other sonication groups which significant difference was determined in 2, 6 and 10 sec (P<0.05) groups. Lipid peroxidation level was the highest in 8 sec sonication group compared to other sonication groups with a significance in 2 sec group (P<0.05).

Conclusions: In liver homogenates, antioxidant enzyme activities, lipid peroxidation and total protein levels were significantly different between mechanical and ultrasound homogenisation groups. Sonication for 8 seconds suggested to be critical point.