THE EFFECT OF TSH AND ANTITHYROID SUBSTANCES ON SALINITY PREFERENCE AND THYROID ACTIVITY IN JUVENILE PACIFIC SALMON

Abstract

Underyearling coho salmon treated with TSH showed a change from fresh- to saltwater preference, which was correlated with an increase in thyroid activity (as measured by the amount of radioiodine taken up by the gland and the conversion ratio).Under-yearling pink salmon treated with thiourea showed a change from salt-to freshwater preference, which was accompanied by a decrease in thyroid activity. In this species treatment with thiouracil and sodium thiocyanate also induced a change from salt- to freshwater preference.It is concluded that the secretory activity of the thyroid gland is intimately involved in the induction of changes in salinity preference, which, in their turn, are closely associated with the onset and end of the migration season.