Argulosis, caused predominantly by Argulus siamensis is a threatening ectoparasitic disease of Indian carp aquaculture. Vaccination against this parasite is a safe alternative to the harmful chemicals used for its control. Nitric oxide (NO), a signaling molecule plays an important role in immune mediated functions in different parasitic diseases. NO mediates immune response through cytokine production and gives protection against parasitic diseases by vaccination or immunization. In the present study, the level of NO production in response to Argulus siamensis whole antigen immunization in rohu (Labeo rohita) was assessed by Griess method in serum and two tissue samples (kidney and liver). There was significant increase in NO in serum (39.27 vs 15.57 nmol/ml), kidney (0.66 vs 0.17 nmol/mg tissue) and liver (0.61 vs 0.16 nmol/mg tissue) in immunized fish compared to the control fish. Further the immunized fish were confirmed for the presence of antibody against the Argulus parasite by dot blot method. The results possibly confirm the increased level NO possessing protective or immune-related function against this parasitic disease.

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