THE INFLUENCE OF ASCORBIC-ACID (VITAMIN-C) ON NONSPECIFIC IMMUNITY INTHE TURBOT (SCOPHTHALMUS-MAXIMUS L)

The effects of ascorbate supplementation on the non-specific immunolog ical status in juvenile turbot, Scophthalmus maximus L., was evaluated . A basic diet was supplemented with 300, 1000 and 2000 mg kg-1 of cal cium ascorbate and fed to separate groups of fish over a 127 day perio d. After 70 days, several haematological indices associated with immun ocompetence displayed significant changes relating to vitamin C status . Serum lysozyme was markedly enhanced whilst other parameters such as adherent kidney and spleen cell phagocytic capacity showed a positive correlation with dietary vitamin C levels up to 127 days. Differentia l leucocyte counts, total serum protein and general histology of major organs were not found to be affected by dietary ascorbate levels. In addition, there was no evidence of scorbutic symptoms in turbot receiv ing the unsupplemented diet.