Functional Effects of the Use of Anesthetics on Teleostean Fishes (Review)

Abstract

Data on the functional aspects of the effect of more than 25 types of anesthetic chemicals and physical factors on teleostean fishes are generalized. It is shown that most of the narcotic agents have a pronounced stress effect on the fish and radically change the fish state. Many of these agents cause a functional response at the level of separate physiological systems (respiration, blood circulation, and blood). It is concluded that the use of anesthetics should be differentiated in the practice of scientific research. For example, the use of isoeugenol (AQUI-S) has no effect on the level of cortisol and catecholamines in the blood. Propanidide and urethane are neutral agents with respect to the respiratory and circulatory systems. Alflaxalone and ketamine do not affect the cardiac rhythm. The hematological parameters have no statistically significant changes under the effect of thiopental. The processes of carbohydrate metabolism in fish tissues are insensitive to the following anesthetic agents: isoeugenol (AQUI-S), urethane, hydrochloride, and a combination of quinaldine with a muscle relaxant (diazepam). An analysis of the stages of narcotic state development in the fish has revealed the advantage of using urethane, hydrochloride, clove oil, and AQUI-S. These types of anesthesia are not characterized by the development of the excitement state; the individuals of many species immediately turn to the resting stage (loss of pain sensitivity), which is most suitable for carrying out manipulations with fish. This information makes it possible to reduce incidental functional effects that can be caused by manipulation measures or by the use of separate narcotic agents. This allows one to obtain more reliable results, especially during experimental works.