Pages: 1-6

Abstract

The aim of this study was to estimate the effect of concentration, volume and temperature of koi carp (Cyprinus carpio koi) serum complement on unsensitized rabbit red blood cell hemolysis. The complement system is known to be a critical component of innate immunity. Serum complement is valuable tool in determining the health status of fish. The alternative pathway activity of complement system can be measured by serum hemolytic activity activated in foreign red blood cells. The zones of hemolysis were clearly visible and were measured manually. The results indicated that Serum concentrations of 12.5% v/v produced 3.9±0.05mm, 25%, 4.1±0.115mm, 50%, 4.9±0.05 mm and 100%, 6.8±0.4 mm hemolysis. 10μL volume of serum resulted in 5.25±0.28mm, 20μl, 6.1 ±0.23 mm and 30μL 6.7±0.25mm hemolysis. Incubation of sera at 4°C produced 6±0.08mm, 25°C, 6.25±0.19mm but at 37°C 5.8±0.25mm hemolysis. From the result of the present study, we concluded that the alternative complement pathway activity in Cyprinus carpio koi serum could be affected by concentration, volume and temperature. This is the first report on the innate immune activity of Cyprinus carpio koi, and provides useful data for future assessments of fish health.