Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 23, 2026

Effectiveness of the Air Stripping in Two Salmonid Fish, Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus Mykiss) and Brown Trout (Salmo Trutta Morpha fario)
Published on: September 16, 2018
Salinity acclimation affects the somatotropic axis in rainbow trout
Brian S Shepherd1, Katherine Drennon, Jaime Johnson
1National Center for Cool and Coldwater Aquaculture, ARS/USDA, 11861 Leetown Rd., Kearneysville, WV 25430, USA. bshepherd@ncccwa.ars.usda.gov
This study shows that gradual salinity exposure increases insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins (IGFBPs) in rainbow trout plasma, suggesting their crucial role in regulating IGF-I during salinity acclimation.
Area of Science:
- Comparative Physiology
- Endocrinology
- Aquaculture
Background:
- The somatotropic axis plays a role in fish physiology.
- Understanding ion-regulation mechanisms is vital for aquaculture and fish health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the somatotropic axis in ion regulation in rainbow trout.
- To determine if plasma insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins (IGFBPs) change with gradual salinity exposure.
Main Methods:
- Freshwater-adapted rainbow trout were gradually exposed to 66% seawater over 5 days.
- Plasma ion levels (Ca2+, Cl-, Na+), cortisol, growth hormone (GH), IGF-I, and gill Na+-K+-ATPase activity were measured.
- Plasma IGFBPs (21, 32, 42, and 50 kDa) were identified and quantified.
Main Results:
- Salinity exposure led to increased plasma GH, IGF-I, and gill Na+-K+-ATPase activity.
- Plasma levels of all identified IGFBPs (21, 32, 42, 50 kDa) were elevated in salinity-acclimated fish.
- Transient changes in specific IGFBP levels were observed during the 5-day acclimation period.
Conclusions:
- Elevated plasma IGFBPs suggest a significant role in IGF-I regulation during salinity acclimation in salmonids.
- The somatotropic axis, particularly IGFBPs, is involved in the physiological response to changing salinity environments in rainbow trout.
Related Concept Videos
Tonicity in Animals
Osmoregulation in Fishes
Responses to Salt Stress
Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
Positive and Negative Feedback Loops
Derivatives: Problem Solving

