Transport of ferritin and horseradish peroxidase into the systemic circulation of three species of teleost fish following oral and anal intubation

Abstract

The absorption of ferritin, following either oral or anal intubation, into the systemic circulation of carp, rainbow trout and a tilapian species was examined and quantified using rocket immunoelectrophoresis, whereas the appearance of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in the systemic circulation of the tilapian species after either oral or anal intubation was quantified using an ELISA. In all three species greater levels of ferritin were detected in the plasma after anal intubation and significantly greater amounts were taken up by the intestine of the tilapian than the other two species. In the tilapian species there was no significant difference in the plasma levels of HRP following either oral or anal intubation, but in both cases peak levels were detected within 90 min of intubation.