Application of Enteric-coated Microcapsule in Oral Administration of Bovine Serum Albumin into Eel

Abstract

The efficacy of enteric-coated microcapsule was tested for enhancement of uptake of orally administered protein in eel Anguilla japonica. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used as marker protein and was encapsulated by cellulose acetate phthalate microcapsule. The transported volume of BSA in the serum collected 48 hours after oral intubation was detected by the Ouchterlony and single radial immunodiffusion (SRID) tests using rabbit's antiserum against BSA. The results indicated that BSA was transported into the blood stream through the digestive tract at least when a large volume of BSA was administered. However, the rate of positive reactions and the transported volume of protected BSA were larger than that of unprotected BSA especially when the administered doses were low. These observations show that it is possible to apply the enteric-coated microcapsule for practical oral vaccination of fish. © 1995, The Japanese Society of Fisheries Science. All rights reserved.