Changes in plasma amino acid levels in a euryhaline fish exposed to different environmental salinities

Amino Acids. 2010 Jan;38(1):311-7. doi: 10.1007/s00726-009-0252-9. Epub 2009 Feb 20.

Abstract

Previous studies have shown that Senegalese sole is partially euryhaline in the juvenile phase, being able to adapt to a wide range of salinities in a short-time period, due to changes at the osmoregulatory and metabolic level. This study aimed to assess the effects of acclimation of sole to a wide range of salinities, with a special emphasis on the role of plasma amino acids during this process. Sole juveniles were acclimated for 2 weeks to different salinities: 5, 15, 25, 38, and 55 g L(-1). Plasma levels of cortisol, glucose, osmolality, and free amino acids were assessed at the end. Changes in plasma levels of cortisol, glucose, and amino acids indicate that fish reared at 5 and 55 g L(-1) were facing extra energy costs. Amino acids seem to play an important role during salinity acclimation, either as energy sources or as important osmolytes for cell volume regulation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acids / blood*
  • Amino Acids / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Flatfishes / blood
  • Flatfishes / metabolism*
  • Random Allocation
  • Salinity
  • Seawater / analysis*
  • Sodium Chloride / metabolism*

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Sodium Chloride