Biochemical, Physiological, and Pathological Changes in Pyridoxine-Deficient Rainbow Trout (Salmo gairdneri)

Abstract

Rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) fed a pyridoxine-deficient diet developed clinical signs of the deficiency after 8 wk of feeding. Erythrocyte and muscle glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) concentrations were significantly depressed in deficient fish, while liver GPT was significantly elevated. Liver GPT was also elevated in starved trout suggesting the increase in enzyme concentrations was secondary to the deficiency. A normocyte, normochromic anemia, which responded favorably to pyridoxine, developed in pyridoxine-deficient trout. Microscopic lesions were found in gastrointestinal tract, kidney, liver, pancreas, and thymus of deficient fish.