Experimental immunology
Innate immunity in yellow forms inheritance of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The aim of the present study was to investigate possible pleiotropic effects of the genotypes controlling the albino and palomino coloration on innate immunity in rainbow trout. The innate immune defence in fish consists of a large number of humoral and cellular factors. In our study we examined the metabolic activity of blood phagocytes by their respiratory burst activity (RBA), lysozyme and ceruloplasmine activity in serum and total Immunoglobulin (Ig) levels in serum. The results showed that the wild coloured rainbow trout has a higher metabolic activity of blood phagocytes, compared to the albino and palomino coloured trout. The lysozyme and ceruloplasmine activity in serum and total Ig levels in serum indicated a similar pattern. The results showed that lysozyme and ceruloplasmine activity and total Ig levels in serum were statistically significantly higher in wild coloured trout, compared to albino and palomino trout. The current study strongly demonstrated that genotypes controlling coloration determined the innate immunity in fish