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Journal of Experimental Biology 116,251-269 (1985)
Published by Company of Biologists 1985

The Effect of Perfusion Flow Rate and Adrenergic Stimulation on Oxygen Transfer in the Isolated, Saline-perfused Head of Rainbow Trout (Salmo Gairdneri)

S. F. PERRY 1, C. DAXBOECK 2, and G. P. DOBSON 3

1 Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, 6270 University BoulevardVancouver, B.C. Canada V6T 2A9; Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, 30 Somerset E., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1N 6NS
2 Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, 6270 University BoulevardVancouver, B.C. Canada V6T 2A9; Pacific Gamefiah Foundation, P.O. Box 3189, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740, U.S.A.
3 Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, 6270 University BoulevardVancouver, B.C. Canada V6T 2A9

An isolated, saline-perfused trout head preparation, irrigated with hyperoxic water (PWo{lambda} = 250 Torr), was used to assess diffusion/perfusion limitations to gill oxygen transfer. In the absence of catecholamines, increasing the perfusion flow rate caused a reduction of the partial pressure of oxygen in the dorsal aortic perfusate, indicating diffusion limitations to oxygen uptake. Physiological concentrations of epinephrine stimulated oxygen uptake in a dose-dependent fashion. Moreover, epinephrine elicited a greater effect during increased perfusion flow rate as a result of larger initial diffusion limitations, caused by the increased flow. By using a variety of adrenergic agonists and antagonists, it was demonstrated that beta-receptor stimulation enhanced oxygen uptake whereas alpha-receptor stimulation had no effect. These results are discussed with reference to changes in gill epithelial permeability to oxygen and/or surface area changes.

Key words: Gills, oxygen uptake, catecholamines, perfusion

Accepted on September 13, 1984






© The Company of Biologists Ltd 1985