Humoral immune parameters in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.) - II. The effects of size and gender under different environmental conditions

The effects of size and gender on several humoral immune parameters in cod were examined under different environmental conditions. Serum samples were collected from wild cod of different sires. Two samplings were undertaken: In the spring in relatively cold waters off the north west coast of Iceland and in the fall in relatively warm waters off the west coast of Iceland. M ost of the parameters increased with increasing cod size, except the haemol ytic activity which decreased. Higher serum protein levels were seen in cod sampled in the fall than in the spring. In cod sampled in the spring there was an apparent difference between specimens < 75 cm in length and the lar ger specimens with respect to haemolytic activity and iron concentration. N one of the parameters were influenced by the gender of the cod. (C) 1999 El sevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.