Immune Function of Immature Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Related With Photoperiod

Radioimmunoassay,enzyme-linked immunospot assay and enzyme immunoassay were used for the determinations of plasma steroid hormones level,antibodyproducing cells counting and IgM level in this study.The decreased number of antibody producing cells and low IgM levels were observed in sexual immature rainbow trout during the spawning season.These fish were reared under almost constant water temperature and natural photoperiod.Moreover,low IgM level was also observed in immature rainbow trout,which were reared under short photoperiod,and IgM level was not changed by treatment of testosterone.The results suggest that photoperoid may cause the changes in immune competence.It is possible that circadian rhythm accompanied with photoperiod may influence physiological function of fish,so that immune competence is changed.