THE USE OF SODIUM DODECYL SULFATE-POLYACRYLAMIDE GEL ELECTROPHORESIS IN FISH BLOOD SERUM ANALYSIS

Abstract

This study considered the use of Native-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (N- PAGE) and Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) in analyzing fish blood serum protein as a tool in aquaculture management. Blood samples were obtained from African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) collected from Niger State, Nigeria. Serum protein obtained from the blood samples were analyzed using 5.5% of N-PAGE and 5.5, 7, 8, 10 and 12% SDS-PAGE. The resulting gels from 12% SDS-PAGE analysis showed better resolution of the protein bands compared to 10% SDS-PAGE, while 5.5%, 7% and 8% SDS PAGE did not show the presence of any protein band. In addition, 12% SDS-PAGE showed better resolution of the fish serum samples with more protein bands than N-PAGE. This observation could be useful in analyzing fish serum protein for generating dendrogram grouping in determining the relationship between fish from the same location or between hybrid and parent stocks.