Regulation of blood haemoglobin and electrolytes in rainbow trout Salmo gairdneri (Richardson) exposed to nitrite

E.M. Williams, F.B. Eddy

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    Rainbow trout (30-70 g) were exposed to environmental nitrite for periods varying from 2 to 24 h, and after 12 h blood plasma nitrite concentration was eight times the environmental levels (0.5 mmol l-1). The rise was followed by an increase in methaemoglobin levels from around 3% to over 60%. After 2 h nitrite exposure the concentrations of plasma potassium, sodium and chloride fell, followed 2 h later by an increase in intra-erythrocyte potassium and sodium concentration with increased red cell volume. Twelve h nitrite exposure led to an increase in the red cell population, the new cells being smaller and containing less haemoglobin. After 24 h exposure, fish fell into two groups: nitrite-intolerant fish with high levels of plasma nitrite and methaemoglobin and nitrite-tolerant fish with low plasma levels. All fish surviving 24 h nitrite exposure had lower plasma potassium levels than unexposed fish.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)13-28
    Number of pages16
    JournalAquatic Toxicology
    Volume13
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 24 Nov 1988

    Keywords

    • chloride
    • hemoglobin
    • methemoglobin
    • nitrite
    • potassium
    • sodium
    • animal experiment
    • electrolyte balance
    • erythrocyte
    • fish
    • nonhuman
    • priority journal
    • Oncorhynchus mykiss
    • toxicity

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