Changes in plasma insulin and carbohydrate metabolism of zinc-stressed rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri

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Abstract
An experiment was conducted to determine if the hyperglycemia that is observed in zinc-stressed fish is also accompanied by changes in the levels of plasma insulin and liver glycogen. Juvenile rainbow trout were exposed to three concentrations of zinc sulphate along with a control group over 31 days. Plasma glucose levels were monitored in each group over the course of the experiment. The group demonstrating the most acute and sustained hyperglycemia (0.352 ppm zinc) was then analyzed along with the controls for changes in plasma insulin (using a teleost insulin radioimmunoassay) and liver glycogen levels. Significant depressions in plasma insulin and liver glycogen levels were observed in the zinc-exposed fish when compared with the controls. These changes are discussed with respect to possible influences of epinephrine, which is elevated in stressed fish, and (or) a direct effect of zinc metal on the pancreatic beta cells.

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