The measurement of acth in the plasma of rainbow trout ( Salmo gairdneri richardson) using two commercial radioimmunoassay kits

Abstract

1. 1. The potential of two commercial clinical radioimmunoassay kits to measure adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) in the plasma of rainbow trout ( Salmo gairdneri Richardson) was tested. One kit was designed to measure ACTH directly in the plasma whereas the other used a preliminary hormone extraction and concentration stage. 2. 2. The estimates obtained with these kits were similar to the few teleost plasma ACTH concentration values given in the literature. 3. 3. There were no significant differences between the estimated ACTH concentration given by either kit for free swimming fish, for fish acclimated to a holding box system or for fish exposed to phenol solutions.