Effects of changes in plasma pH, CO2 and ammonia on ventilation in trout

Abstract

We investigated ventillatory responses to a plasma alkaloids and hypocapnia,a nd the basis for the ventilatory response to sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) infusion in rainbow trout. Plasma alkalosis and hypocapnia created by infusion of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) did not cause hypoventilation, whereas infusion of hydrochloric acid (HCl) caused vigorous hyperventilation, associated with an acidosis, a reduction in blood O2 content (CaO 2) and a release of circulating catecholamines. Infusion of NaHCO3 stimulated ventilation and caused an increase in plasma pH, total carbon dioxide content (CaCO 2) and catecholamine levels, and a reduction in oxygen tension (PaO 2). Infusion of ammonium bicarbonate (NH 4HCO3) caused hyperventilation and was associated with an increase in CaCO 2 and plasma total ammonia (Camm) and ammonia gas (NH3) concentration. Infusion of sodium chloride (NaClI) and Cortland's saline had no effect on ventilation. The results indicate that trout do not exhibit the ventilatory sensitivity to pH seen in terrestrial vertebrates. Ventilatory responses to NaHCO3 appear to have been a result of reductions in PaO 2, a release of catecholamines and an increase in CaCO 2 whereas responses to NH4HCO3 appear to have been a result of increases in CaCO 2 and Camm.