Variations in the Blood and Tissue Chemistry of Brook Trout, Salvelinus fontinalis, Subsequent to Handling, Anesthesia, and Surgery

Abstract

Modifications in blood and tissue chemistry of brook trout have been followed during their recovery from handling, tricaine methanesulphonate (Ayerst "Finquel") anesthesia, and experimental preparation. The recovery process was characterized by alterations in the hematological characteristics of the animals, a marked and persistent condition of hyperglycemia, and changes in plasma, tissue and estimated cellular ion concentrations, and equilibrium potentials. Water content remained relatively stable, although variations in distribution took place. The short-term changes observed appeared to be correlated in time with the clearance of anesthetic from the animals, and possibly with a sequence of cardioventilatory-renal reflex responses induced by vascular hypoxia (or hypercapnia). More presistent changes are believed to be related to generalized endocrine responses to the traumatic character of the procedures employed.