Long‐term UVB Irradiation Affects the Immune Functions of Carp (Cyprinus carpio) and Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Abstract

The effects of long-term, low-dose ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation on immune functions of two fish species representing different taxonomic groups, carp (Cyprinus carpio) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), were assessed in this study. The fish were exposed to 7, 20 or 60 mJ cm )2 UVB three times per week, for 6 weeks. In carp, UVB exposure affected the respiratory burst activity of blood and head kidney phagocytes, differential blood leukocyte counts and blood chemistry. Phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated in vitro proliferation responses of blood and head kidney lymphocytes, however, remained unchanged. Rainbow trout tolerated the irradiations with fewer alterations, but significant changes were detected in blood chemistry and hematocrits of the irradiated fish. These results indicate that long-term exposure to low doses of UVB induces immunomodulation in fish, and that there are species-specific differences in sensitivity to irradiation.

Effect of UV-B radiation on the antibody response of fish – Implication on high altitude fish culture

“…One or more of these or other mechanisms might have caused the suppression of antibody response to the model antigen (S-BSA) in this study. This is in agreement with the findings in studies conducted in other fishes like Atlantic salmon [21], rainbow trout and common carp [35,36]. The mechanisms underlying this phenomenon should be investigated further in fish, for clearly identifying the mechanism of UV-B mediated immunosuppression.…”

Additive effects of enhanced ambient ultraviolet B radiation and increased temperature on immune function, growth and physiological condition of juvenile (parr) Atlantic Salmon, Salmo salar

“…UVB radiation stresses juvenile and adult fish, and negatively affects the immune function in both short-term [21,27,46e48] and in long-term exposures [28,48,49]. In the present study, long-term exposure to UVB radiation alone decreased plasma IgM concentration and complement bacteriolytic activity.…”

Effect of Sub-Lethal Exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation on the Escape Performance of Atlantic Cod Larvae (Gadus morhua)

“…Fish larvae are also often present in the surface waters (see [14]). A large number of studies have reported deleterious effects of UV-B on fish eggs and larvae such as DNA damage [15], [16], increased mortality [12], [13], [17]–[19] malformation [20], lesion of skins, eyes and brains [12], [21], [22], retarded growth [12], [23], and immune depression [23]–[26]. The indirect effects of UV radiation on aquatic ecosystems have recently been receiving more attention (e.g.…”