The effect of prolonged administration of bovine insulin in rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri R.)

Abstract

Effects on growth parameters and tissue composition of rainbow trout were investigated following injection of bovine insulin at two dose levels every 48 hr for 56 days. In addition, [14C]leucine incorporation into plasma, liver, and skeletal muscle was studied for the two insulin treatments and a group of the saline-injected controls given a single shock-dose of insulin (5.0 IU/kg). Hypoglycemic responses were observed with all insulin treatments. In comparison to controls, high insulin treatment gave a significant body weight increase. At both levels, insulin increased the content of protein, lipid, and also the incorporation of [14C]leucine activity in skeletal muscle. Simultaneous decreases in specific activity of plasma and liver tissue indicated a net movement of [14C]leucine toward the peripheral musculature. No effect of the hormone was seen on the glycogen content of liver or muscle tissue over the 56-day period. © 1981.