Lipid peroxidation induced by Clinostomum detruncatum in muscle of the freshwater fish Rhamdia quelen

The effect of Clinostomum detruncatum metacercaria infection on the activit ies of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase in muscle of the freshwater fish Rhamdia quelen was analyzed. Tert-butyl hydroperoxid e-initiated chemiluminescence, a measure of lipid peroxidation, was also in vestigated. Enzyme activities were similar in infected and uninfected fishe s. However, the chemiluminescence was almost 2-fold higher in muscle of inf ected 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 in could, as in other vertebrates, reactive oxygen interme diates.