EFFECT OF STARVATION ON TISSUE AND SERUM GLUCONEOGENIC ENZYMES, ALKALINE-PHOSPHATASE AND TISSUE GLYCOGEN IN THE FRESH-WATER CATFISH, HETEROPNEUSTES-FOSSILIS (BLOCH)

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 53  (4) , 501-506
Abstract
The influence of starvation was studied on tissue and serum G-6Pase [glucose 6-phosphatase] F-D-Pase [fructose-1,6-diphosphatase] and alkaline phosphatase activities and on the muscle and liver glycogen content of the freshwater catfish H. fossilis. A marked increase in G-6Pase and F-D-Pase activities and a fall in the muscle and liver glycogen content were recorded during 40 day starvation. The rise in gluconeogenic enzymes during starvation may be due to glucocorticoid stimulation. Alkaline phosphatase activity declined markedly during starvation. The decline in enzyme activity is attributed to some factors like a fall in the rate of synthesis caused by lowered metabolic demands and to electrolyte imbalance caused by tissue overhydration. The fall in glycogen content may be related to the starved condition of the fish. Elevation in glycogen content and alkaline phosphatase activity and a fall in gluconeogenic enzymes were noted when feeding was resumed.