Evaluation of Biochemical Parameters in Sterlet, Acipenser ruthenus with Normal and Atretic Follicles

In order to improve the quality and efficiency of caviar crop from sturgeon as assessment of ovarian maturation stage is inevitable;also it should be avoided from capture of fish at stage of follicular atresia.In this study determination of atretic follicle in ovary was done by evaluation of blood steroid level and biochemical parameters. After catheterization, 10 fish that follicles in reabsorption stage were seen in their ovaries were selected for further analysis. Blood testosterone and estradiol values were significantly lower in A. ruthenusthat containing atretic follicle in their ovaries in compare to control. Blood biochemical parameters including, triglyceride, cholesterol and calcium were also lower in fish with atretic follicles in their ovary in compare to control. Our findings showed that biochemical and hormonal changes caused by follicular atresia could be used successfully to distinguish atretic follicles from normal follicles in A. ruthenusto replace biopsy as an invasive method.