Determination of effects of greek juniper (Juniperus excelsa) on immune responses of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

In the present study, effects of greek juniper (Juniperus excelsa) aqueous methanolic extract on immune response in rainbow trout (Onchorhynchus mykiss). With this aim, four different concentration the extract were given to the experimental fishes using feeding needle twice in a day. 7th and 14th day of the study, head kidney tissue and blood samples were collected from each experimental group. From those samples, in other to determine the immune responses, oxidative radical production, lysozyme and myeloperoxidase and also gene expression of cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-8, IL-12 were determined. At the end of the study fishes were challenged with Yersinia ruckeri. According to study results, using of 8mg/kg /fish dosage of greek juniper adding to the fish feed could be showed positive effects and protect fishes from Y. ruckeri infection.