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Mechanisms of acid-base and ionoregulation in white suckers (Catostomus commersoni) in natural soft water

I. Acute exposure to low ambient pH

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Summary

Simultaneous measurements of whole body proton flux and both unidirectional and net ion fluxes together with assessment of the blood acid-base, respiratory gas, electrolyte and lactate status were performed in white suckers (Catostomus commersoni) originating from a natural soft water lake ([Ca++]=0.18 meq·l−1) in Ontario, Canada. Fish were examined under control (pH∼ 6.8) and acidic conditions (pH∼4.3) in natural soft water at 19–20 °C. Resting blood composition was similar to that previously reported for this species in natural hard water except for a marked enhancement of both plasma pH and bicarbonate levels.

Acute acid exposure promoted a significant net influx of protons (or loss of base) concomitant with a plasma acidosis of mixed origin (metabolic+respiratory) as well as whole body Na+, Cl−, Ca++ and K+ losses. Circulating ion levels in plasma were partially conserved by intracellular ion depletion. Radiotracer studies showed that net body losses of Na+ and Cl− ensued largely through stimulation of efflux components and, to a lesser extent, inhibition of inward transport. Cl− loss eventually exceeded Na+, suggesting transport of an unmeasured substance to maintain electroneutrality. A markedly reduced blood\(P_{O_2 }\), enhanced plasma\(P_{CO_2 }\), elevated blood lactate levels and significant hemoconcentration were also observed. Thus, disturbances in acid-base regulation, ionoregulation and respiratory function may all contribute to acid toxicity in white suckers in natural soft water.

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Abbreviations

ECF :

extracellular fluid

Hb :

hemoglobin

Ht :

hematocrit

ICF :

intracellular fluid

MCHC :

mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration

TEP :

transepithelial electrical potential

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Harkness Laboratory of Fisheries Research, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Box 110, KOJ 2MO, Whitney, Ontario, Canada

    Helve Hõbe, Chris M. Wood & Brian R. McMahon

  2. Department of Biology, McMaster University, L8S 4K1, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

    Helve Hõbe, Chris M. Wood & Brian R. McMahon

  3. Department of Biology, University of Calgary, T2NIN4, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

    Helve Hõbe, Chris M. Wood & Brian R. McMahon

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  1. Helve Hõbe
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  2. Chris M. Wood
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  3. Brian R. McMahon
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Hõbe, H., Wood, C.M. & McMahon, B.R. Mechanisms of acid-base and ionoregulation in white suckers (Catostomus commersoni) in natural soft water. J Comp Physiol B 154, 35–46 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00683214

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