Changes in polyamines during embryonic development of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar

1. Polyamine composition of eggs and alevins from cultured and wild Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, was compared during early development. 2. Eggs collected from wild stock had higher amounts of bound and free putrescine, spermidine and spermine than those collected from cultured stock. 3. Cadaverine was present in bound form in cultured and wild stocks before and after fertilization, respectively. However, free cadaverine was detected in both stocks throughout development. 4. Atlantic salmon embryos and alevins can synthesize polyamines which could be associated with their growth and development.