| Sumario: | Research on nutrition and immune function of fish is slowly expanding to define the role ofspecific nutrients in disease resistance in fish. The potential impact of certain vitamins (A, E and C), traceelements (iron and selenium), protein, carbohydrate and lipid on the immune response and the pathogenesis ofdeficiency diseases is briefly reviewed. Recent developments on the functional role of n-3 and n-6polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on nonspecific and specific humoral and cellular immunity aresummarized. In addition to cell membrane function (e.g. fluidity and permeability), the immunological effectsof PUFAs are associated with the formation of eicosanoids such as leucotrienes (LT) and prostaglandins (PG).Dietary n-3 and n-6 PUFAs intake have a significant effect on LT and PG production by macrophage andleukocytes, which directly influence the piscine immune function. Although potential for disease preventionin fish by dietary changes exists, additional information is required on the specific effects of nutrients inpathogenesis of common diseases and how these effects are influenced by other physiological andenvironment factors.
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