Abstract

Heat shock proteins (Hsps) can promote integrity of damaged intestinal epithelial tissues. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a commercially available anti-phospholipase A(2) antibody on growth, feed efficiency, Hsp expression, and intestinal health of rainbow trout fed diets containing high levels of soybean meal (SBM). Six practical-type diets (45% protein; 15% fat) were formulated to contain 0, 17.5, or 35% SBM with and without antibody. Each diet was fed to three replicate tanks of fish (20 fish/tank; initial weight 21g) for 9wk. RNA was isolated from liver and intestinal tissues (n=3/tank) to detect alterations in Hsp 27, Hsp 70, and Hsp 90 expression. Fish fed a diet containing 35% SBM had decreased growth and intestinal damage. Hsp 27 and Hsp 90 mRNA was elevated in fish fed 35% SBM. Fish fed 35% SBM with antibody had lower Hsp 90 mRNA expression than fish without antibody. These data indicate that feeding rainbow trout high levels of SBM alters the expression of some Hsps and anti-phospholipase A(2) antibody supplementation does not normalize growth or prevent distal enteritis in fish fed 35% SBM.