Effect of Sexual Maturation and Gonadectomy at Sexual Maturity on Cortisol Secretion Rate in Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka)

Abstract

Changes in cortisol dynamics in male and female sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) have been investigated at various stages during sexual maturation, after spawning, and after gonadectomy just prior to their reaching sexual maturity. The metabolic clearance rate of cortisol was determined by the single injection technique and calculated using the formula for a two-pool system. The volume of distribution of cortisol in the inner pool and the outer pool, metabolic clearance rate, and cortisol secretion rate increased in both male and female salmon during sexual maturation. These changes were reversed in fish that were gonadectomized just before reaching functional maturity and allowed to recuperate for 2 or 8 weeks.There was a decrease in the amount of red carotenoid pigment in the flesh of salmon held in the laboratory during sexual maturation. This loss of pigment was reversed in salmon that were gonadectomized and fed marine zooplankton for 8 weeks.