Behavior and brain chemistry correlates in mummichogs ( Fundulus heteroclitus) from polluted and unpolluted environments

Abstract

The ability of Fundulus from a polluted environment to capture a prey organism, the grass shrimp ( Palaemonetes pugio), was compared to that of Fundulus from an unpolluted reference site. Fish from the unpolluted site took significantly more prey ( p < 0.1) during the first 5–10 min of each trial than fish from the polluted site. Analysis of the neurotransmitters dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) and their metabolites, DOPAC, homovanillic acid (HVA), and 5-hydroxy-indolacetic acid (5-HIAA) in cerebellums and medullas was performed by HPLC. Mummichogs from the polluted site had significantly lower concentrations of 5-HT and its metabolite 5-HIAA in their medullas, but not cerebellums, than fish from the reference site ( p < 0.05). Concentrations of DA, DOPAC and HVA were not different between populations in either part of the brain. Neurotransmitter concentrations were shown to be independent of size and therefore, presumably, age. Analysis of Hg in livers and brains of these mummichogs by atomic absorption spectrophotometry showed significant differences between the two populations for both organs. Earlier work showed that the behavioral deficit could be elicited by Hg; thus, this was the putative neurotoxic agent. However, there are other candidates which may contribute to neurotoxicity in the study site.