The effect of sublethal endrin exposure on rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson. I. Evaluation of serum cortisol concentrations and immune responsiveness

Document Type

Article

Date of Original Version

1-1-1987

Abstract

Two‐hundred‐and‐forty rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri, were exposed for 30 days to sublethal concentrations of the pesticide endrin. On day 30, ten fish from each treatment group were sacrificed and examined for the ability of peritoneal macrophages to phagocytize latex beads. The remaining fish were immunized with 10 μg of Yersinia ruckeri O‐antigen, and exposure to endrin continued. The migration inhibition factor assay (MIF), plaque forming cell assay (PFC), and serum agglutination titres (SAG) were performed 2, 14, and 30 days post‐antigen inoculation. Serum was collected from all fish for serum cortisol concentrations. Endrin exposure had no effect on the phagocytic ability of peritoneal macrophages. However, the MIF, PFC and SAG responses were significantly reduced from control values. Serum cortisol concentrations were found to be significantly elevated in endrin‐exposed fish. Serum cortisol concentrations were found to be significantly higher on days 44 and 60 (192 and 194 ng ml−1, respectively) when compared to days 30 and 32 (159 and 141 ng ml−1, respectively). Cortisol values for days 30 and 32 did not differ significantly, nor did those of days 44 and 60. The relationship between elevated serum cortisol concentrations and endrin exposure on the immune response is discussed. Copyright © 1987, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved

Publication Title, e.g., Journal

Journal of Fish Biology

Volume

31

Issue

3

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