THE SECRETION OF GROWTH HORMONE IN STARVED GRASS CARP, CTENOPHARYNGODON IDELLUS

The effects of starvation on the secretion of growth hormone were investigated in juvenile and fingerling grass carp. Serial blood samples via the dorsal aorta cannulae showed that the GH secretion of starved juvenile grass carp(bodyweight 0.5-1.0kg)was still episodic, but with higher values of average GH, basal GH, and peak GH. As to the fingerling grass carp(bodyweight 25-30g), starvation increased their serum GH levels but decreased their condition Coefficient and concentrations of blood glucose. In vitro perfused pituitary fragments of starved grass carp fingerling basal GH secretion was higher than that of fed control. These results indicated that GH secretion in grass carp was being enhanced under starvation.