Some Biochemical Changes in the Brain of Clarias batrachus During Prolonged Food Deprivation
Nayan K. Prasad, Suresh Kumar Sahani
The present study investigates the biochemical alterations in the brain of the air-breathing catfish, Clarias batrachus, during prolonged periods of food deprivation. Adult Clarias batrachus specimens were subjected to a controlled period of food deprivation extending up to forty days. Brain tissues were extracted at an interval of 10 days for biochemical analysis. Key biochemical markers, including protein, glycogen, cholesterol, and ascorbic acid concentrations, were measured using standard biochemical assays. The findings reveal significant reductions in brain glycogen and ascorbic levels, indicating an adaptive metabolic response to sustain essential brain functions during nutrient scarcity. Additionally, there was a notable alteration in the levels of cholesterol, suggesting a potential impact on the neurophysiological state of the fish. Prolonged food deprivation in Clarias batrachus induces substantial biochemical changes in the brain, highlighting the species' metabolic adaptability to prolonged nutrient stress. These findings provide insights into the neurobiological mechanisms underlying starvation tolerance in fish and may inform strategies for managing fish health in aquaculture settings.
Keywords: Clarias batrachus, Food deprivation, Brain biochemistry, Metabolic adaptation Protein
