Effect of acidification stress on endocrine and Immune functions in carp, Cyprinus carpio

摘要

In this study, we examined the effects of chronic sublethal low pH exposure (pH 4.5) on endocrine and immune functions in carp. Plasma cortisol levels elevated rapidly from 3 hours after acid exposure and kept high until 2 days. Subsequently cortisol levels decreased gradually, but were significantly higher than those of control groups even at 4 weeks after acid exposure. Plasma immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels declined transiently at 1 weeks after the initiation of acid exposure, and then recovered to control levels at 4 weeks after acid exposure.