The Effects of 11-ketotestosterone Implantation on Biochemical and Hematological Parameters of Previtellogenic Cultured Great Sturgeon (Huso huso)

Understanding the reproductive regulation in sturgeon is a precondition for controlled reproduction. Although 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) has been found in blood of female in several fish species, the importance of this androgen in great sturgeon female has not been investigated. To address this issue, the effect of 11-KT on previtellogenic Huso huso was examined for the first time. A total number of twelve fish (mean weight 5,580±165 g) were divided into two circular tanks and reared under natural conditions (natural river water with a natural temperature profile). The fish were surgically implanted with slow-release pellets containing only a carrier matrix (95% cholesterol, 5% cellulose) without or with 2.5 mg 11-KT. Changes in the plasma levels of hematological and biochemical parameters were evaluated three weeks and two months following implantation. The results showed that red blood cells and its related parameters and white blood cells were affected significantly (P