Investigation of hepatic cytosolic proteins during parr-smolt transformation of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

• Published in: Aquaculture
• Main Authors: Bradley, Terence M., Fay, Charles T., Johanning, Karla M.
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: DigitalCommons@URI 1989
• Subjects: Atlantic salmon; Salmo salar
• Online Access: https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/favs_facpubs/145; https://doi.org/10.1016/0044-8486(89)90390-6

The diverse metabolic functions of the teleost liver and previous studies of hepatic mitochondria implicate this organ in smolting. To investigate hepatic involvement further, cytosolic proteins were examined in Atlantic salmon during parr-smolt transformation. Two separate studies were conducted in which juvenile salmon were reared with 6-month advanced (6MA), 8-month advanced (8MA) and simulated natural (SNP) photoperiod regimens. The two phase-shifted photoperiods were utilized in an attempt to produce non-smolting controls for discrimination between proteins related to ontogeny and proteins specific to parr-smolt transformation. Branchial Na+ K+-ATPase activities, condition factors and salinity tolerances indicated that SNP fish underwent smolting during a normal time period. Numerous changes in cytosolic proteins were observed in SNP, 6MA and 8MA fish. Seven polypeptides exhibited qualitative or quantitative changes between December and May in SNP fish during the two investigations. However, when these differences were compared with the contemporary controls in the 6MA and 8MA studies, the changes did not appear to be specific to smolting. © 1989.