Seasonal changes in hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities of the perch Perca fluviatilis in the Upper Volga basin, Russia

Abstract

Seasonal changes in several physiological endpoints of the perch Perca fluviatilis in the temperate climatic conditions were examined. Hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione-S-transferase) varied dramatically throughout the annual cycle. Driven by internal and external factors, the greatest values of the studied characteristics were timed to the periods of spawning and elevated water temperature. The results of this study showed high plasticity of the fish’s antioxidant system, which allows the perch to bear naturally occurring oxidative stress.