Blood respiratory properties of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) kept in water of high CO2 tension.
1. Blood O2 transport and acid-base balance were studied at 20 degrees C in rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) which had been kept in water of high CO2 content (15 mmHg) for at least a week. Also the blood gas chemistry of fish rapidly entering or leaving the hypercapnic environment was studied. 2. Fish entering high CO2 water suffered a sharp decrease in blood pH which significantly reduced O2 transport by the blood, but after a few hours considerable compensation was achieved. 3. After at least a week in high CO2 water, trout showed elevated plasma bicarbonate and PCO2 levels, and a decrease in plasma chloride, while pH was about 0 - 1 pH unit below the level for control fish. Oxygen transport by the blood was marginally reduced. 4. Hypercapnic fish rapidly entering fresh water showed a sharp increase in blood pH and a decrease in blood PO2. These parameters regained normal values after a few hours but plasma bicarbonate and chloride levels took much longer to regain control concentrations. 5. Acid-base balance in hypercapnic fish is discussed with particular reference to the role of the branchial ion exchanges.
Blood respiratory properties of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) kept in water of high CO2 tension. 1. Blood O2 transport and acid-base balance were studied at 20 degrees C in rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) which had been kept in water of high CO2 content (15 mmHg) for at least a week. Also the blood gas chemistry of fish rapidly entering or leaving the hypercapnic environment was studied. 2. Fish entering high CO2 water suffered a sharp decrease in blood pH which significantly reduced O2 transport by the blood, but after a few hours considerable compensation was achieved. 3. After at least a week in high CO2 water, trout showed elevated plasma bicarbonate and PCO2 levels, and a decrease in plasma chloride, while pH was about 0 - 1 pH unit below the level for control fish. Oxygen transport by the blood was marginally reduced. 4. Hypercapnic fish rapidly entering fresh water showed a sharp increase in blood pH and a decrease in blood PO2. These parameters regained normal values after a few hours but plasma bicarbonate and chloride levels took much longer to regain control concentrations. 5. Acid-base balance in hypercapnic fish is discussed with particular reference to the role of the branchial ion exchanges.