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Journal of Experimental Biology 151,57-70 (1990)
Published by Company of Biologists 1990

A Possible Role for Catecholamines in the Ventilatory Responses Associated with Internal Aciosis or External Hypoxia in Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus Mykiss

S. AOTA 1, K. D. HOLMGREN 1, P. GALLAUGHER 2, and D. J. RANDALL 1

1 Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, 6270 University Blvd Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6T 2A9
2 Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, V5A 1S6

To whom reprint requests should be addressed.

Plasma catecholamine levels and gill ventilation were measured in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) during acidosis and hypoxia. There was an increase in both plasma catecholamines and ventilation correlated with the acidosis. Fish exposed to hyperoxia prior to acid infusion did not show significant changes in catecholamines or ventilation. Those treated with the {beta}-adrenergic antagonist propranolol before acidosis showed increases in catecholamines but not ventilation. Hypoxia was also associated with increases in endogenous catecholamines and ventilation, and the increase in ventilation could be partially blocked with propranolol. This increase in ventilation during hypoxia was not inhibited by asaline injection alone. It is proposed that catecholamines act to modulate ventilatory responses in fish under both acidotic and hypoxic conditions. If a central H+ chemoreceptor exists in fish to control breathing, it can be inhibited by hyperoxia or by {beta}-receptor blockade.

Key words: acidosis, hypoxia, catecholamines, rainbow trout

Accepted on March 10, 1990






© The Company of Biologists Ltd 1990