Alterations in serum protein fractions and Na+-K+ATPase activity in Clarias gariepinus infested with henneguyosis in Ismailia, Egypt

Total serum protein, protein fractions and Na+-K(+)ATPase activity were estimated in Clarias gariepinus collected from surface waters in Ismailia governorate, Egypt. Comparisons were made between fish infested with respiratory henneguyosis and non-infested fish. Results of serum analysis revealed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the total serum proteins level, albumin level and albumin: globulin ratio from 5.31 +/- 0.13 g dl(-1), 3.93 +/- 0.12 g dl(-1) and 2.26 +/- 0.09 g dl(-1) (respectively) in the non-infested group to 4.88 +/- 0.19 g dl(-1), 3.10 +/- 0.18 g dl(-1) and 1.88 +/- 0.13 g dl(-1) (respectively) in the infested group. The globulin level increased significantly (p < 0.05) from 1.38 +/- 0.05 g dl(-1) in non-infested group to 1.78 +/- 0.07 g dl(-1) in the infested catfish. The henneguyosis infestation affected the Na+-K(+)ATPase activity in the gills by decreasing the enzyme activity from 11.43 +/- 0.73 mu M Pi mg protein(-1) h(-1) in the non-infested group to 8.64 +/- 1.00 mu M Pi mg protein(-1) h(-1) in the infested group. This demonstrated that Henneguya branchialis causes physiological dysfunctions in infested fish by causing several alterations in protein fraction levels and inhibition in Na+-K(+)ATPase enzyme activity, which affects the osmoregulation process.