Publication
Title
Cortisol effects on aerobic and anaerobic metabolism, nitrogen excretion, and whole-body composition in juvenile rainbow trout
Author
Abstract
The influence of chronic cortisol elevation on metabolism, body composition, and fuel use patterns was examined in juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Measurements were performed in a control group (day 0) and in two experimental groups at days 3, 10, and 30 after treatment with a cortisol implant or a sham implant. All fish were fed 1% daily ration. Measured plasma cortisol levels were highest at day 3 and returned close to normal values by day 30 in cortisol‐implanted fish. No plasma cortisol elevation was observed in the sham group. Growth was depressed in the cortisol‐treated fish. Cortisol elevation resulted in increased plasma glucose concentrations during the entire experimental period, elevated CO2 production at day 3 and 30, and an elevated respiratory quotient (RQ) exceeding 1.0 on these days. Nitrogen excretion, estimated as the sum of ammonia‐N plus urea‐N excretion, and the nitrogen quotient exhibited small decreases at day 30. Total‐N excretion, measured with a nitrogen oxidizer, was approximately twice the sum of ammonia‐N plus urea‐N excretion but exhibited a similar trend. Aerobic metabolism (routine O2 consumption) was higher on day 10 compared to sham‐implanted fish, although not relative to day 0 control levels. Anaerobic metabolism increased substantially, as evidenced by pronounced plasma lactate elevations at days 3 and 10, a small increase in whole‐body lactate on day 10, and the elevated RQ on days 3 and 30. Body composition exhibited an increase in total carbohydrate at days 3 and 10, mainly reflecting increased glycogen levels. Protein concentration was stable, indicating, in accord with the respirometry data, that protein usage did not fuel the increased metabolism or carbohydrate elevation. Redirection of nutrient uptake from food and/or mobilization of lipid stores (which decreased relative to the control group but not relative to shams) are suggested as possible energy sources for these actions of cortisol.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Physiological and biochemical zoology. - Chicago, Ill.
Publication
Chicago, Ill. : 2001
ISSN
1522-2152
DOI
10.1086/323796
Volume/pages
74 :6 (2001) , p. 858-868
ISI
000172620000008
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 03.01.2013
Last edited 04.03.2024
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