Differences in Serum Leptin Levels in fed and Non-fed Goldfish (Carassius Auratus Auratus)

Differences in Serum Leptin Levels in fed and Non-fed Goldfish (Carassius Auratus Auratus)

Alvin Sherman Library 2053

Leptin, a hormone associated with fat metabolism, appears to play an important role in how the body regulates its fat supply. Previous studies have shown a positive correlation between serum Leptin levels and the amount of fat stored in the body, with greater levels of Leptin found in mice that were being fed regularly and reduced Leptin levels found in mice that were not fed. Other studies have verified the presence of Leptin in fish as well as in mammals. In this experiment, we will attempt to show a similar correlation between serum Leptin levels among fed and non-fed goldfish (Carassius auratus auratus). Following acclimation, 12 goldfish will be fed daily for one week while food will be withheld from an additional 12 goldfish. Following this manipulation of feeding, blood samples will be drawn from all fish. The blood will be allowed to clot and serum will be collected for testing using a commercial Leptin ELISA kit (ALPCO Diagnostics). Given the previously established correlation between feeding and Leptin levels in mammals, we expect to find a similar difference between fed and non-fed goldfish.