Changes in selected stress and immune-related genes in Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua, following overcrowding

Using Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua, as a model for the stress response in gadoid fish, the changes in the expression of some stress and immune genes as well as the profiles of plasma cortisol were examined. Adult fish were kept at a density of ca. 100 kg m(-3) by lowering the water level in the rearing tank for 1 h and this short-term crowding stress was repeated thrice over a 12-h interval period. Blood samples were collected before exposure and at 2, 24 and 72 h post crowding. Plasma cortisol level significantly increased at 2 h post crowding but returned to pre-crowding levels 24 h after exposure. The relative expression of the stress response genes, glucose transporter-3 and a putative heat shock protein 70 significantly increased at 2 and 24 h post crowding respectively. Significant up-regulation of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-1 beta and IL-8, as well as anti-bacterial genes, g-type lysozyme and bactericidal permeability-increasing protein/lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (BPI/LBP) was also observed at 2 h and the levels were maintained until 72 h post exposure, except for BPI/LBP which had maximum up-regulation at 24 h. The present observations have implications with respect to fish welfare and assessment of the health status of the farmed fish.