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Endogenous antioxidant systems of two teleost fish, the rainbow trout and the black bullhead, and the effect of age

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Abstract

Antioxidant enzyme activities and glutathione status were determined in different tissues of two teleost species, the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and the black bullhead (Ameiurus melas) to establish whether age-related changes exist between mature and immature individuals. Glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase activities were significantly lower in hepatic and extrahepatic tissues of 3+ year than 1+ year trout and bullheads. Activities of glutathione peroxidase, catalase and glutathione S-transferase did not exhibit a clear pattern, with decreases in liver and kidney, but increases in gill and muscle tissues. Glutathione concentrations were significantly higher in most tissues of 3+ year than in 1+ year trout, but remained unchanged or decreased in tissues of older bullheads. The results imply an age- or maturation-dependent effect on key antioxidant enzymes in various tissues of these 2 teleost species. Thus, age and maturation may impact upon the use of oxidative stress parameters as indicators of contaminant exposure in environmental studies.

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Abbreviations

CAT:

catalase

GGT:

γ-glutamyl transpeptidase

GPX:

glutathione peroxidase

GR:

glutathione disulfide reductase

GSH:

reduced glutathione

GSSG:

glutathione disulfide

GST:

glutathione S-transferase

SOD:

superoxide dismutase

TBARS:

thiobarbituric acid reactive substances

TGSH:

total glutathione

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  1. Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biology, Department Biology, University of Ottawa, P. O. Box 450 Stn A, K1N 6N5, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

    Diana M. E. Otto & Thomas W. Moon

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  1. Diana M. E. Otto
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Otto, D.M.E., Moon, T.W. Endogenous antioxidant systems of two teleost fish, the rainbow trout and the black bullhead, and the effect of age. Fish Physiol Biochem 15, 349–358 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02112362

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