DAO 42:233-236 (2000)  -  doi:10.3354/dao042233

ABSTRACT: The effect of Clinostomum detruncatum metacercaria infection on the activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase in muscle of the freshwater fish Rhamdia quelen was analyzed. Tert-butyl hydroperoxide-initiated chemiluminescence, a measure of lipid peroxidation, was also investigated. Enzyme activities were similar in infected and uninfected fishes. However, the chemiluminescence was almost 2-fold higher in muscle of infected fishes than in muscle of uninfected ones. These results indicate that parasite infection induces oxidative stress and a higher level of membrane damage in the fish muscle due to an imbalance between pro-oxidants and non-enzymatic antioxidants. Our results suggest that fish response to parasite infection could involve, as in other vertebrates, reactive oxygen intermediates.

KEY WORDS: Parasite · Oxidative stress · Lipid peroxidation · Fish