The Effect of Insulin on the Blood and Liver Cholesterol in Anabas Scandens (BLOCH)

Fish requires lipids as a source of metabolic energy and to maintain the structure and integrity of cellular membranes. The reproductive tissues consume adequate amounts of cholesterol for the biosynthesis of various hormones needed for the process of reproduction. The information regarding the effect of insulin on the cholesterol level of the teleost fish is very limited. The present study aims at knowing the effect of insulin on the blood and liver cholesterol of the fresh water teleost Anabas scandens. Two series of experiments were carried out in the present study. In the first series of experiment, fishes were injected with 1, 2, 3 and 4 units of insulin and the blood and liver cholesterol was estimated after 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes. In the second series of experiment insulin was injected intermittently after 60 minutes. The result shows an increase in the liver cholesterol level and a decrease in the blood cholesterol.