Enhancement of non-specific immune responses in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax, L. 1758) by geophyte extract injections (Urginea maritima and Muscari comosum)

The immunomodulatory effects of bulb extracts from the geophyte plants Muscari comosum (MC) and Urginea maritima (UM) on a non-spesific immune responses of European sea bass were investigated. Ethanol extracts were administered via intraperitoneal injection at doses of 0.5mg/fish and 2mg/fish in PBS. Non-spesific immune parameters such as Nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) positive cells, serum lysozyme, total protein, total number of leukocytes, leukocyte cell type percentages and specific growth rates were investigated on the 1st, 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th and 35th days following the injection. The results indicate that receiving injections with MC and UM enhances some non-specific immune parameters in European sea bass. Total protein in serum was not enhanced. Activation occured on the 14th day and 21st day and this positive effects started to decrease following days. The appropriate dosage to achieve this enhancement was determined to be 0.5 mg/fish for UM and 2 mg/fish for MC. This preliminary study indicates that these doses yield the best results to promote the health status of European sea bass in intensive aquaculture.