The effect of hydrocortisone on immature rainbow trout (Salmo gairdnerii)

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Abstract

With the purpose of securing further information concerning the role of the high levels of plasma 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS) in the causation of degenerative changes occurring in spawning Pacific salmon, hydrocortisone in cholesterol pellets was administered to sexually immature, starving rainbow trout. The hormone was released continuously for a period of about 5 weeks from the intraperitoneally-implanted pellets and produced concentrations of 17-OHCS in the trout blood similar to those found in sexually mature salmon and steelhead trout. The fish lost weight rapidly, developed infections of the skin, and in the case of lethal doses, died usually in 5 to 9 weeks. Death occurred much more rapidly and with smaller doses of the corticoid when the water temperature was raised from 55°F (13°C, the usual temperature) to 63°F (17°C).

Examination of the tissues showed histological changes which, with few exceptions, were similar to those occurring in spawning salmon. Atrophic and deteriorative alterations were as marked in most of the organs as those present in salmon. Hyperglycemia was accompanied by hyperplasia of the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans. Control starved trout showed no tissue changes other than slight atrophy in certain of the internal organs. However, certain other trout, when starved for prolonged periods of time beyond the limits of the experiments, did show many of the degenerative alterations present in the corticoid-treated fish. The bearing of these experimental findings on the naturally occurring deterioration of the salmon is discussed.

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    This study was aided by Grant G-13137 from the National Science Foundation.

    2

    Present address: Linde Air Products Co., Tonawanda, New York.

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