Short- and long-term effects of ammonium chloride on RNA, DNA and protein concentrations in muscle and serum in the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss

Abstract

1. 1. Effects of ammonium-induced acidosis on white muscle RNA, DNA and protein concentrations were examined in the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. Serum protein concentrations were also determined. 2. 2. A single administration of ammonium chloride at a dose of sublethal level caused no changes in these parameters after 3 and 6 hr. 3. 3. Multiple administrations at a lesser dose caused significant decreases in RNA and serum protein concentrations 48 and 72 hr after the first administration. 4. 4. DNA and muscle protein concentrations remained unchanged throughout the experimental period. 5. 5. Significant decreases in RNA-DNA ratios and RNA-muscle protein ratios were primarily attributed to decreases in RNA concentrations.