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Galli GLJ, Shiels HA, White E, Couturier CS, Stecyk JAW. The air-breathing Alaska blackfish (Dallia pectoralis) suppresses brain mitochondrial reactive oxygen species to survive cold hypoxic winters. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2023; 276:111355. [PMID: 36529208 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.111355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The Alaska blackfish (Dallia pectoralis) is the only air-breathing fish in the Arctic. In the summer, a modified esophagus allows the fish to extract oxygen from the air, but this behavior is not possible in the winter because of ice and snow cover. The lack of oxygen (hypoxia) and near freezing temperatures in winter is expected to severely compromise metabolism, and yet remarkably, overwintering Alaska blackfish remain active. To maintain energy balance in the brain and limit the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), we hypothesized that cold hypoxic conditions would trigger brain mitochondrial remodeling in the Alaska blackfish. To address this hypothesis, fish were acclimated to warm (15 °C) normoxia, cold (5 °C) normoxia or cold hypoxia (5 °C, 2.1-4.2 kPa; no air access) for 5-8 weeks. Mitochondrial respiration, ADP affinity and H202 production were measured at 10 °C in isolated brain homogenates with an Oroboros respirometer. Cold acclimation and chronic hypoxia had no effects on mitochondrial aerobic capacity or ADP affinity. However, cold acclimation in normoxia led to a suppression of brain mitochondrial H202 production, which persisted and became more pronounced in the cold hypoxic fish. Overall, our study suggests cold acclimation supresses ROS production in Alaska blackfish, which may protect the fish from oxidative stress when oxygen becomes limited during winter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina L J Galli
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, 46 Grafton Street, Manchester M13 9NT, United Kingdom.
| | - Holly A Shiels
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, 46 Grafton Street, Manchester M13 9NT, United Kingdom
| | - Ed White
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Christine S Couturier
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508, United States of America
| | - Jonathan A W Stecyk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508, United States of America
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2
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Sparks K, Couturier CS, Buskirk J, Flores A, Hoeferle A, Hoffman J, Stecyk JAW. Gene expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), HIF regulators, and putative HIF targets in ventricle and telencephalon of Trachemys scripta acclimated to 21 °C or 5 °C and exposed to normoxia, anoxia or reoxygenation. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2022; 267:111167. [PMID: 35182763 PMCID: PMC8977064 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.111167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In anoxia-sensitive mammals, hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) promotes cellular survival in hypoxia, but also tumorigenesis. By comparison, anoxia-tolerant vertebrates likely need to circumvent a prolonged upregulation of HIF to survive long-term anoxia, making them attractive biomedical models for investigating HIF regulation. To lend insight into the role of HIF in anoxic Trachemys scripta ventricle and telencephalon, 21 °C- and 5 °C-acclimated turtles were exposed to normoxia, anoxia (24 h at 21 °C; 24 h or 14 d at 5 °C) or anoxia + reoxygenation and the gene expression of HIF-1α (hif1a) and HIF-2α (hif2a), two regulators of HIF, and eleven putative downstream targets of HIF quantified by qPCR. Changes in gene expression with anoxia at 21 °C differentially aligned with a circumvention of HIF activity. Whereas hif1a and hif2a expression was unaffected in ventricle and telencephalon, and BCL2 interacting protein 3 gene expression reduced by 30% in telencephalon, gene expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-A increased in ventricle (4.5-fold) and telencephalon (1.5-fold), and hexokinase 1 (2-fold) and hexokinase 2 (3-fold) gene expression increased in ventricle. At 5 °C, the pattern of gene expression in ventricle or telencephalon was unaltered with oxygenation state. However, cold acclimation in normoxia induced downregulation of HIF-1α, HIF-2α, and HIF target gene expression in telencephalon. Overall, the findings lend support to the postulation that prolonged activation of HIF is counterproductive for long-term anoxia survival. Nevertheless, quantification of the effect of anoxia and acclimation temperature on HIF binding activity and regulation at the protein level are needed to provide a strong scientific framework whereby new strategies for oxygen related pathologies can be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Sparks
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508, United States
| | - Christine S Couturier
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508, United States
| | - Jacob Buskirk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508, United States
| | - Alicia Flores
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508, United States
| | - Aurora Hoeferle
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508, United States
| | - Jessica Hoffman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508, United States
| | - Jonathan A W Stecyk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508, United States.
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Stecyk JAW, Barber RG, Cussins J, Hall D. Indirect evidence that anoxia exposure and cold acclimation alter transarcolemmal Ca 2+ flux in the cardiac pacemaker, right atrium and ventricle of the red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta). Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2021; 261:111043. [PMID: 34332046 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.111043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
We indirectly assessed if altered transarcolemmal Ca2+ flux accompanies the decreased cardiac activity displayed by Trachemys scripta with anoxia exposure and cold acclimation. Turtles were first acclimated to 21 °C or 5 °C and held under normoxic (21N; 5N) or anoxic conditions (21A; 5A). We then compared the response of intrinsic heart rate (fH) and maximal developed force of spontaneously contracting right atria (Fmax,RA), and maximal developed force of isometrically-contracting ventricular strips (Fmax,V), to Ni2+ (0.1-10 mM), which respectively blocks T-type Ca2+ channels, L-type Ca2+ channels and the Na+-Ca2+-exchanger at the low, intermediate and high concentrations employed. Dose-response curves were established in simulated in vivo normoxic (Sim Norm) or simulated in vivo anoxic extracellular conditions (Sim Anx; 21A and 5A preparations). Ni2+ decreased intrinsic fH, Fmax,RA and Fmax,V of 21N tissues in a concentration-dependent manner, but the responses were blunted in 21A tissues in Sim Norm. Similarly, dose-response curves for Fmax,RA and Fmax,V of 5N tissues were right-shifted, whereas anoxia exposure at 5 °C did not further alter the responses. The influence of Sim Anx was acclimation temperature-, cardiac chamber- and contractile parameter-dependent. Combined, the findings suggest that: (1) reduced transarcolemmal Ca2+ flux in the cardiac pacemaker is a potential mechanism underlying the slowed intrinsic fH of anoxic turtles at 21 °C, but not 5 °C, (2) a downregulation of transarcolemmal Ca2+ flux may aid cardiac anoxia survival at 21 °C and prime the turtle myocardium for winter anoxia and (3) confirm that altered extracellular conditions with anoxia exposure can modify turtle cardiac transarcolemmal Ca2+ flux.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan A W Stecyk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508, United States of America.
| | - Riley G Barber
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508, United States of America
| | - Jace Cussins
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508, United States of America
| | - Diarmid Hall
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508, United States of America
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Stecyk JAW, Couturier CS, Abramochkin DV, Hall D, Arrant-Howell A, Kubly KL, Lockmann S, Logue K, Trueblood L, Swalling C, Pinard J, Vogt A. Cardiophysiological responses of the air-breathing Alaska blackfish to cold acclimation and chronic hypoxic submergence at 5°C. J Exp Biol 2020; 223:jeb225730. [PMID: 33020178 PMCID: PMC7687868 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.225730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The Alaska blackfish (Dallia pectoralis) remains active at cold temperatures when experiencing aquatic hypoxia without air access. To discern the cardiophysiological adjustments that permit this behaviour, we quantified the effect of acclimation from 15°C to 5°C in normoxia (15N and 5N fish), as well as chronic hypoxic submergence (6-8 weeks; ∼6.3-8.4 kPa; no air access) at 5°C (5H fish), on in vivo and spontaneous heart rate (fH), electrocardiogram, ventricular action potential (AP) shape and duration (APD), the background inward rectifier (IK1) and rapid delayed rectifier (IKr) K+ currents and ventricular gene expression of proteins involved in excitation-contraction coupling. In vivo fH was ∼50% slower in 5N than in 15N fish, but 5H fish did not display hypoxic bradycardia. Atypically, cold acclimation in normoxia did not induce shortening of APD or alter resting membrane potential. Rather, QT interval and APD were ∼2.6-fold longer in 5N than in 15N fish because outward IK1 and IKr were not upregulated in 5N fish. By contrast, chronic hypoxic submergence elicited a shortening of QT interval and APD, driven by an upregulation of IKr The altered electrophysiology of 5H fish was accompanied by increased gene expression of kcnh6 (3.5-fold; Kv11.2 of IKr), kcnj12 (7.4-fold; Kir2.2 of IK1) and kcnj14 (2.9-fold; Kir2.4 of IK1). 5H fish also exhibited a unique gene expression pattern that suggests modification of ventricular Ca2+ cycling. Overall, the findings reveal that Alaska blackfish exposed to chronic hypoxic submergence prioritize the continuation of cardiac performance to support an active lifestyle over reducing cardiac ATP demand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan A W Stecyk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | - Christine S Couturier
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | - Denis V Abramochkin
- Department of Human and Animal Physiology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1-12 Leninskiye Gory, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Ural Federal University, 19 Mira Street, 620002 Ekaterinburg, Russia
- Laboratory of Cardiac Physiology, Institute of Physiology of Kоmi Science Centre of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, FRC Komi SC UB RAS, 50 Pervomayskaya Str., 167982 Syktyvkar, Komi Republic, Russia
| | - Diarmid Hall
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | - Asia Arrant-Howell
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | - Kerry L Kubly
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | - Shyanne Lockmann
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | - Kyle Logue
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | - Lenett Trueblood
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | - Connor Swalling
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | - Jessica Pinard
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | - Angela Vogt
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
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Melleby AO, Sandvik GK, Couturier CS, Nilsson GE, Stecyk JAW. H 2S-producing enzymes in anoxia-tolerant vertebrates: Effects of cold acclimation, anoxia exposure and reoxygenation on gene and protein expression. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 243-244:110430. [PMID: 32105700 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2020.110430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
To lend insight into the potential role of the gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in facilitating anoxia survival of anoxia-tolerant vertebrates, we quantified the gene expression of the primary H2S-synthesizing enzymes, 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3MST), cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) and cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), in ventricle and brain of normoxic, anoxic and reoxygenated 21 °C- and 5 °C-acclimated freshwater turtles (Trachemys scripta) and 10 °C-acclimated crucian carp (Carassius carassius). Semi-quantitative Western blotting analysis was also conducted to assess 3MST and CBS protein abundance in ventricle and brain of 5 °C turtles and 10 °C crucian carp subjected to normoxia, anoxia and reoxygenation. We hypothesized that if H2S was advantageous for anoxia survival, expression levels would remain unchanged or be upregulated with anoxia and/or reoxygenation. Indeed, for both species, gene and protein expression were largely maintained with anoxia exposure (24 h, 21 °C; 5 d, 10 °C; 14 d, 5 °C). With reoxygenation, 3MST expression was increased in turtle and crucian carp brain at the protein and gene level, respectively. Additionally, the effect of cold acclimation on gene expression was assessed in several tissues of the turtle. Expression levels were maintained in most tissues, but decreased in others. The maintenance of gene and protein expression of the H2S-producing enzymes with anoxia exposure and the up-regulation of 3MST with reoxygenation suggests that H2S may facilitate anoxic survival of the two champions of vertebrate anoxia survival. The differential effects of cold acclimation on H2S enzyme expression may influence blood flow to different tissues during winter anoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne O Melleby
- Section for Physiology and Cell Biology, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Institute for Experimental Medical Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Guro K Sandvik
- Section for Physiology and Cell Biology, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Faculty of Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Christine S Couturier
- Section for Physiology and Cell Biology, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, United States
| | - Göran E Nilsson
- Section for Physiology and Cell Biology, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jonathan A W Stecyk
- Section for Physiology and Cell Biology, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, United States.
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6
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Kubly KL, Stecyk JAW. Contractile performance of the Alaska blackfish (Dallia pectoralis) ventricle: Assessment of the effects of temperature, pacing frequency, the role of the sarcoplasmic reticulum in contraction and adrenergic stimulation. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2019; 238:110564. [PMID: 31493554 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2019.110564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The air-breathing Alaska blackfish (Dallia pectoralis) experiences aquatic hypoxia, but restricted air-access in winter due to ice-cover. To lend insight into its overwintering strategy, we examined the effects of thermal acclimation (15 °C vs. 5 °C), acute temperature change (to 10 °C), increased pacing frequency, inhibition of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release and uptake and adrenaline (1000 nmol l-1) on the contractile performance of isometrically-contracting, electrically-paced ventricular strips. At routine pacing frequencies, maximal developed force (Fmax) was equivalent at 5 °C (2.1 ± 0.2 mN mm-2) and 15 °C (2.2 ± 0.3 mN mm-2), whereas contraction durations were 2.2- to 2.4-times longer and contraction rates 2.4- to 3.5-times slower at 5 °C. Maximum contraction frequency was reduced by decreased temperature, being 0.91 ± 0.04 Hz at 15 °C, 0.35 ± 0.02 Hz at 5 °C and equivalent between acclimation groups at 10 °C (~0.8 Hz). 15 °C and 5 °C strips were insensitive to SR inhibition at routine stimulation frequencies, but SR function supported high contraction rates at 10 °C and 15 °C. Adrenaline shortened T0.5R and increased relaxation rate by 18-40% at 15 °C, whereas at 5 °C, adrenaline augmented Fmax by 15-25%, in addition to increasing contraction kinetics by 22-82% and decreasing contraction duration by 20%. Overall, the results reveal that ventricular contractility is suppressed in cold-acclimated Alaska blackfish largely by acute and perhaps direct effects of decreased temperature, which effectively preconditions the tissue for low energy supply during winter hypoxia. Additionally, the level of cardiac performance associated with maintained activity in winter is supported by enhanced inotropic responsiveness to adrenaline at 5 °C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry L Kubly
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, AK, United States
| | - Jonathan A W Stecyk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, AK, United States.
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7
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Lefevre S, Stecyk JAW, Torp MK, Løvold LY, Sørensen C, Johansen IB, Stensløkken KO, Couturier CS, Sloman KA, Nilsson GE. Re-oxygenation after anoxia induces brain cell death and memory loss in the anoxia-tolerant crucian carp. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 220:3883-3895. [PMID: 29093186 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.165118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Crucian carp (Carassius carassius) survive without oxygen for several months, but it is unknown whether they are able to protect themselves from cell death normally caused by the absence, and particularly return, of oxygen. Here, we quantified cell death in brain tissue from crucian carp exposed to anoxia and re-oxygenation using the terminal deoxy-nucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL) assay, and cell proliferation by immunohistochemical staining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) as well as PCNA mRNA expression. We also measured mRNA and protein expression of the apoptosis executer protease caspase 3, in laboratory fish exposed to anoxia and re-oxygenation and fish exposed to seasonal anoxia and re-oxygenation in their natural habitat over the year. Finally, a behavioural experiment was used to assess the ability to learn and remember how to navigate in a maze to find food, before and after exposure to anoxia and re-oxygenation. The number of TUNEL-positive cells in the telencephalon increased after 1 day of re-oxygenation following 7 days of anoxia, indicating increased cell death. However, there were no consistent changes in whole-brain expression of caspase 3 in either laboratory-exposed or naturally exposed fish, indicating that cell death might occur via caspase-independent pathways or necrosis. Re-oxygenated crucian carp appeared to have lost the memory of how to navigate in a maze (learnt prior to anoxia exposure), while the ability to learn remained intact. PCNA mRNA was elevated after re-oxygenation, indicating increased neurogenesis. We conclude that anoxia tolerance involves not only protection from damage but also repair after re-oxygenation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sjannie Lefevre
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, 0371 Oslo, Norway
| | - Jonathan A W Stecyk
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, 0371 Oslo, Norway
| | - May-Kristin Torp
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, 0371 Oslo, Norway
| | - Lisa Y Løvold
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, 0371 Oslo, Norway
| | - Christina Sørensen
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, 0371 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ida B Johansen
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, 0371 Oslo, Norway
| | - Kåre-Olav Stensløkken
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, 0371 Oslo, Norway
| | - Christine S Couturier
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, 0371 Oslo, Norway
| | - Katherine A Sloman
- Institute of Biomedical and Environmental Health Research, School of Science and Sport, University of the West of Scotland, PA1 2BE, UK
| | - Göran E Nilsson
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, 0371 Oslo, Norway
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8
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Kubly KL, Stecyk JAW. Temperature-dependence of L-type Ca(2+) current in ventricular cardiomyocytes of the Alaska blackfish (Dallia pectoralis). J Comp Physiol B 2015; 185:845-58. [PMID: 26439127 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-015-0931-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Revised: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
To lend insight into the overwintering strategy of the Alaska blackfish (Dallia pectoralis), we acclimated fish to 15 or 5 °C and then utilized whole-cell patch clamp to characterize the effects of thermal acclimation and acute temperature change on the density and kinetics of ventricular L-type Ca(2+) current (I Ca). Peak I Ca density at 5 °C (-1.1 ± 0.1 pA pF(-1)) was 1/8th that at 15 °C (-8.8 ± 0.6 pA pF(-1)). However, alterations of the Ca(2+)- and voltage-dependent inactivation properties of L-type Ca(2+) channels partially compensated against the decrease. The time constant tau (τ) for the kinetics of inactivation of I Ca was ~4.5 times greater at 5 °C than at 15 °C, and the voltage for half-maximal inactivation was shifted from -23.3 ± 1.0 mV at 15 °C to -19.8 ± 1.2 mV at 5 °C. These modifications increase the open probability of the channel and culminate in an approximate doubling of the L-type Ca(2+) window current, which contributes to approximately 15% of the maximal Ca(2+) conductance at 5 °C. Consequently, the charge density of I Ca (Q Ca) and the total Ca(2+) transferred through the L-type Ca(2+) channels (Δ[Ca(2+)]) were not as severely reduced at 5 °C as compared to peak I Ca density. In combination, the results suggest that while the Alaska blackfish substantially down-regulates I Ca with acclimation to low temperature, there is sufficient compensation in the kinetics of the L-type Ca(2+) channel to support the level of cardiac performance required for the fish to remain active throughout the winter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry L Kubly
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Drive, Conoco Philips Integrated Science Building, Anchorage, AK, 99508, USA.
| | - Jonathan A W Stecyk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Drive, Conoco Philips Integrated Science Building, Anchorage, AK, 99508, USA
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Wilkie MP, Stecyk JAW, Couturier CS, Sidhu S, Sandvik GK, Nilsson GE. Reversible brain swelling in crucian carp (Carassius carassius) and goldfish (Carassius auratus) in response to high external ammonia and anoxia. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2015; 184:65-75. [PMID: 25582543 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2014.12.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Revised: 12/30/2014] [Accepted: 12/31/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Increased internal ammonia (hyperammonemia) and ischemic/anoxic insults are known to result in a cascade of deleterious events that can culminate in potentially fatal brain swelling in mammals. It is less clear, however, if the brains of fishes respond to ammonia in a similar manner. The present study demonstrated that the crucian carp (Carassius carassius) was not only able to endure high environmental ammonia exposure (HEA; 2 to 22 mmol L(-1)) but that they experienced 30% increases in brain water content at the highest ammonia concentrations. This swelling was accompanied by 4-fold increases in plasma total ammonia (TAmm) concentration, but both plasma TAmm and brain water content were restored to pre-exposure levels following depuration in ammonia-free water. The closely related, ammonia-tolerant goldfish (Carassius auratus) responded similarly to HEA (up to 3.6 mmol L(-1)), which was accompanied by 4-fold increases in brain glutamine. Subsequent administration of the glutamine synthetase inhibitor, methionine sulfoximine (MSO), reduced brain glutamine accumulation by 80% during HEA. However, MSO failed to prevent ammonia-induced increases in brain water content suggesting that glutamine may not be directly involved in initiating ammonia-induced brain swelling in fishes. Although the mechanisms of brain swelling are likely different, exposure to anoxia for 96 h caused similar, but lesser (10%) increases in brain water content in crucian carp. We conclude that brain swelling in some fishes may be a common response to increased internal ammonia or lower oxygen but further research is needed to deduce the underlying mechanisms behind such responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Wilkie
- Department of Biology and Institute for Water Science, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3C5, Canada; Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Jonathan A W Stecyk
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, USA
| | | | - Sanya Sidhu
- Department of Biology and Institute for Water Science, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3C5, Canada
| | - Guro K Sandvik
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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10
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Lefevre S, Damsgaard C, Pascale DR, Nilsson GE, Stecyk JAW. Air breathing in the Arctic: influence of temperature, hypoxia, activity and restricted air access on respiratory physiology of the Alaska blackfish Dallia pectoralis. J Exp Biol 2014; 217:4387-98. [PMID: 25394628 PMCID: PMC4375840 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.105023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2014] [Accepted: 10/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The Alaska blackfish (Dallia pectoralis) is an air-breathing fish native to Alaska and the Bering Sea islands, where it inhabits lakes that are ice-covered in the winter, but enters warm and hypoxic waters in the summer to forage and reproduce. To understand the respiratory physiology of this species under these conditions and the selective pressures that maintain the ability to breathe air, we acclimated fish to 5°C and 15°C and used respirometry to measure: standard oxygen uptake (Ṁ(O₂)) in normoxia (19.8 kPa P(O₂)) and hypoxia (2.5 kPa), with and without access to air; partitioning of standard Ṁ(O₂) in normoxia and hypoxia; maximum Ṁ(O₂) and partitioning after exercise; and critical oxygen tension (P(crit)). Additionally, the effects of temperature acclimation on haematocrit, haemoglobin oxygen affinity and gill morphology were assessed. Standard Ṁ(O₂) was higher, but air breathing was not increased, at 15°C or after exercise at both temperatures. Fish acclimated to 5°C or 15°C increased air breathing to compensate and fully maintain standard Ṁ(O₂) in hypoxia. Fish were able to maintain Ṁ(O₂) through aquatic respiration when air was denied in normoxia, but when air was denied in hypoxia, standard Ṁ(O₂) was reduced by ∼30-50%. P(crit) was relatively high (5 kPa) and there were no differences in P(crit), gill morphology, haematocrit or haemoglobin oxygen affinity at the two temperatures. Therefore, Alaska blackfish depends on air breathing in hypoxia and additional mechanisms must thus be utilised to survive hypoxic submergence during the winter, such as hypoxia-induced enhancement in the capacities for carrying and binding blood oxygen, behavioural avoidance of hypoxia and suppression of metabolic rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sjannie Lefevre
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo 0316, Norway.
| | | | - Desirae R Pascale
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | - Göran E Nilsson
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo 0316, Norway
| | - Jonathan A W Stecyk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
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11
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Bowden AJ, Gardiner NM, Couturier CS, Stecyk JAW, Nilsson GE, Munday PL, Rummer JL. Alterations in gill structure in tropical reef fishes as a result of elevated temperatures. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2014; 175:64-71. [PMID: 24862962 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2014.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2013] [Revised: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 05/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Tropical regions are expected to be some of the most affected by rising sea surface temperatures (SSTs) because seasonal temperature variations are minimal. As temperatures rise, less oxygen dissolves in water, but metabolic requirements of fish and thus, the demand for effective oxygen uptake, increase. Gill remodelling is an acclimation strategy well documented in freshwater cyprinids experiencing large seasonal variations in temperature and oxygen as well as an amphibious killifish upon air exposure. However, no study has investigated whether tropical reef fishes remodel their gills to allow for increased oxygen demands at elevated temperatures. We tested for gill remodelling in five coral reef species (Acanthochromis polyacanthus, Chromis atripectoralis, Pomacentrus moluccensis, Dascyllus melanurus and Cheilodipterus quinquelineatus) from populations in northern Papua New Guinea (2° 35.765' S; 150° 46.193' E). Fishes were acclimated for 12-14 days to 29 and 31°C (representing their seasonal range) and 33 and 34°C to account for end-of-century predicted temperatures. We measured lamellar perimeter, cross-sectional area, base thickness, and length for five filaments on the 2nd gill arches and qualitatively assessed 3rd gill arches via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). All species exhibited significant differences in the quantitative measurements made on the lamellae, but no consistent trends with temperature were observed. SEM only revealed alterations in gill morphology in P. moluccensis. The overall lack of changes in gill morphology with increasing temperature suggests that these near-equatorial reef fishes may fail to maintain adequate O2 uptake under future climate scenarios unless other adaptive mechanisms are employed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Bowden
- School of Marine and Tropical Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia.
| | - N M Gardiner
- School of Marine and Tropical Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - C S Couturier
- Programme for Physiology and Neurobiology, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, N-0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - J A W Stecyk
- Programme for Physiology and Neurobiology, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, N-0316 Oslo, Norway; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | - G E Nilsson
- Programme for Physiology and Neurobiology, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, N-0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - P L Munday
- School of Marine and Tropical Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - J L Rummer
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
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12
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Rummer JL, Couturier CS, Stecyk JAW, Gardiner NM, Kinch JP, Nilsson GE, Munday PL. Life on the edge: thermal optima for aerobic scope of equatorial reef fishes are close to current day temperatures. Glob Chang Biol 2014; 20:1055-66. [PMID: 24281840 PMCID: PMC4677772 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.12455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2013] [Revised: 10/03/2013] [Accepted: 10/11/2013] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Equatorial populations of marine species are predicted to be most impacted by global warming because they could be adapted to a narrow range of temperatures in their local environment. We investigated the thermal range at which aerobic metabolic performance is optimum in equatorial populations of coral reef fish in northern Papua New Guinea. Four species of damselfishes and two species of cardinal fishes were held for 14 days at 29, 31, 33, and 34 °C, which incorporated their existing thermal range (29-31 °C) as well as projected increases in ocean surface temperatures of up to 3 °C by the end of this century. Resting and maximum oxygen consumption rates were measured for each species at each temperature and used to calculate the thermal reaction norm of aerobic scope. Our results indicate that one of the six species, Chromis atripectoralis, is already living above its thermal optimum of 29 °C. The other five species appeared to be living close to their thermal optima (ca. 31 °C). Aerobic scope was significantly reduced in all species, and approached zero for two species at 3 °C above current-day temperatures. One species was unable to survive even short-term exposure to 34 °C. Our results indicate that low-latitude reef fish populations are living close to their thermal optima and may be more sensitive to ocean warming than higher-latitude populations. Even relatively small temperature increases (2-3 °C) could result in population declines and potentially redistribution of equatorial species to higher latitudes if adaptation cannot keep pace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodie L Rummer
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, 4811, Qld, Australia
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13
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Rummer JL, Stecyk JAW, Couturier CS, Watson SA, Nilsson GE, Munday PL. Elevated CO2 enhances aerobic scope of a coral reef fish. Conserv Physiol 2013; 1:cot023. [PMID: 27293607 PMCID: PMC4732439 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cot023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2013] [Revised: 07/30/2013] [Accepted: 08/02/2013] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The uptake of anthropogenic CO2 by the ocean has been suggested to impact marine ecosystems by decreasing the respiratory capacity of fish and other water breathers. We investigated the aerobic metabolic scope of the spiny damselfish, Acanthochromis polyacanthus, from the Great Barrier Reef, Australia when exposed for 17 days to CO2 conditions predicted for the end of the century (946 μatm CO2). Surprisingly, resting O2 consumption rates were significantly lower and maximal O2 consumption rates significantly higher in high-CO2-exposed fish compared with control fish (451 μatm CO2). Consequently, high-CO2-exposed fish exhibited an unexpected increase in absolute (38%) and factorial aerobic scopes (47%). Haematological and muscle water changes associated with exercise were not affected by CO2 treatment. Thus, contrary to predictions, our results suggest that elevated CO2 may enhance aerobic scope of some fish species. Long-term experiments are now required to assess the response to elevated CO2 further, because developmental and transgenerational effects can be dramatic in fish. Ultimately, understanding the variability among species regarding the effects of CO2 on aerobic scope will be critical in predicting the impacts of ocean acidification on marine communities and ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodie L. Rummer
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Jonathan A. W. Stecyk
- Programme for Physiology and Neurobiology, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, 0316 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | - Christine S. Couturier
- Programme for Physiology and Neurobiology, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, 0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Sue-Ann Watson
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
- School of Marine and Tropical Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Göran E. Nilsson
- Programme for Physiology and Neurobiology, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, 0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Philip L. Munday
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
- School of Marine and Tropical Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
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14
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Wilson CM, Stecyk JAW, Couturier CS, Nilsson GE, Farrell AP. Phylogeny and effects of anoxia on hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel gene expression in the heart of a primitive chordate, the Pacific hagfish (Eptatretus stoutii). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 216:4462-72. [PMID: 23997200 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.094912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The aneural heart of the Pacific hagfish, Eptatretus stoutii, varies heart rate fourfold during recovery from anoxia. Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels, which play an important role in establishing the pacemaker rate of vertebrate hearts, were postulated to be present in this ancestral vertebrate heart, and it was also theorized that changes in hagfish heart rate with oxygen availability involved altered HCN expression. Partial gene cloning revealed six HCN isoforms in the hagfish heart. Hagfish representatives of HCN2, HCN3 and HCN4 were discovered, with HCN2 and HCN3 existing as isoforms designated as HCN2a, HCN2b, HCN3a, two paralogs of HCN3b, and HCN3c. Phylogenetic analysis revealed HCN3b and HCN3c to be ancestral, followed by HCN3a, HCN4 and HCN2. Moreover, HCN3a expression was dominant in both the atrial and ventricular chambers, suggesting that the HCN4 dominance in adult mammalian hearts appeared after hagfish divergence. HCN expression was higher in the atrium than in the ventricle, as might be expected given that atrial beating rate is known to be faster than the ventricular rate. In addition, mRNA expression under normoxic conditions was compared with that following 24 h of anoxia, and either a 2-h or 36-h recovery in normoxic water. In the ventricle, anoxia decreased HCN3a but not HCN4 expression. In contrast, atrial HCN3a expression significantly increased following 2 h of recovery, before returning to control levels following 36 h of recovery, possibly contributing to heart rate changes previously observed under these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M Wilson
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z4
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15
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Couturier CS, Stecyk JAW, Rummer JL, Munday PL, Nilsson GE. Species-specific effects of near-future CO(2) on the respiratory performance of two tropical prey fish and their predator. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2013; 166:482-9. [PMID: 23916817 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2013.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2013] [Revised: 07/23/2013] [Accepted: 07/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Ocean surface CO2 levels are increasing in line with rising atmospheric CO2 and could exceed 900μatm by year 2100, with extremes above 2000μatm in some coastal habitats. The imminent increase in ocean pCO2 is predicted to have negative consequences for marine fishes, including reduced aerobic performance, but variability among species could be expected. Understanding interspecific responses to ocean acidification is important for predicting the consequences of ocean acidification on communities and ecosystems. In the present study, the effects of exposure to near-future seawater CO2 (860μatm) on resting (M˙ O2rest) and maximum (M˙O2max) oxygen consumption rates were determined for three tropical coral reef fish species interlinked through predator-prey relationships: juvenile Pomacentrus moluccensis and Pomacentrus amboinensis, and one of their predators: adult Pseudochromis fuscus. Contrary to predictions, one of the prey species, P. amboinensis, displayed a 28-39% increase in M˙O2max after both an acute and four-day exposure to near-future CO2 seawater, while maintaining M˙O2rest. By contrast, the same treatment had no significant effects on M˙O2rest or M˙O2max of the other two species. However, acute exposure of P. amboinensis to 1400 and 2400μatm CO2 resulted in M˙O2max returning to control values. Overall, the findings suggest that: (1) the metabolic costs of living in a near-future CO2 seawater environment were insignificant for the species examined at rest; (2) the M˙O2max response of tropical reef species to near-future CO2 seawater can be dependent on the severity of external hypercapnia; and (3) near-future ocean pCO2 may not be detrimental to aerobic scope of all fish species and it may even augment aerobic scope of some species. The present results also highlight that close phylogenetic relatedness and living in the same environment, does not necessarily imply similar physiological responses to near-future CO2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine S Couturier
- Programme for Physiology and Neurobiology, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, 0316 Oslo, Norway.
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16
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Nilsson GE, Dymowska A, Stecyk JAW. New insights into the plasticity of gill structure. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2012; 184:214-22. [PMID: 22846495 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2012.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2012] [Revised: 07/14/2012] [Accepted: 07/17/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The ability of some fishes to reversibly remodel their gill morphology has become a focus of research after the discovery of extreme morphological gill plasticity in crucian carp and goldfish-both members of the cyprinid genus Carassius. Their lamellae are largely embedded in an interlamellar cell mass (ILCM) during normoxic conditions in cold water. The ILCM regresses in hypoxia, warm water, and during exercise, whereby the respiratory surface area and the capacity for oxygen uptake are greatly increased. There may be several reasons for covering the lamellae when oxygen needs are low. Reducing osmoregulatory costs have been suggested as an advantage of gill remodeling, but this has been difficult to show, putting the importance of the osmo-respiratory compromise into question. Other reasons could be to limit uptake of toxic substances and to reduce the risks for infections. In support for the latter, we present evidence showing that crucian carp infected by gill flukes maintain their ILCM when exposed to hypoxia. So far, gill remodeling in response to oxygen needs has been seen in several cyprinids, killifish and eel. In response to other environmental factors it may also occur in salmonids and anabantoids, revealing a phylogenetically widespread occurrence among teleosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Göran E Nilsson
- Programme for Physiology and Neurobiology, Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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17
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Stecyk JAW, Couturier CS, Fagernes CE, Ellefsen S, Nilsson GE. Quantification of heat shock protein mRNA expression in warm and cold anoxic turtles (Trachemys scripta) using an external RNA control for normalization. Comp Biochem Physiol Part D Genomics Proteomics 2011; 7:59-72. [PMID: 22129782 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2011.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2011] [Revised: 11/07/2011] [Accepted: 11/07/2011] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The mRNA expression of heat-shock protein 90 (HSP90) and heat-shock cognate 70 (HSC70) was examined in cardiac chambers and telencephalon of warm- (21°C) and cold-acclimated (5°C) turtles (Trachemys scripta) exposed to normoxia, prolonged anoxia or anoxia followed by reoxygenation. Additionally, the suitability of total RNA as well as mRNA from β-actin, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and cyclophilin A (PPIA) for normalizing gene expression data was assessed, as compared to the use of an external RNA control. Measurements of HSP90 and HSC70 mRNA expression revealed that anoxia and reoxygenation have tissue- and gene-specific effects. By and large, the alterations support previous investigations on HSP protein abundance in the anoxic turtle heart and brain, as well as the hypothesized roles of HSP90 and HSC70 during stress and non-stress conditions. However, more prominent was a substantially increased HSP90 and HSC70 mRNA expression in the cardiac chambers with cold acclimation. The finding provides support for the notion that cold temperature induces a number of adaptations in tissues of anoxia-tolerant vertebrates that precondition them for winter anoxia. β-actin, GAPDH and PPIA mRNA expression and total RNA also varied with oxygenation state and acclimation temperature in a tissue- and gene-specific manner, as well as among tissue types, thus disqualifying them as suitable for real-time RT-PCR normalization. Thus, the present data highlights the advantages of normalizing real-time RT-PCR data to an external RNA control, an approach that also allows inter-tissue and potentially inter-species comparisons of target gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan A W Stecyk
- Physiology Programme, Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Oslo, PO Box 1041, N-0316, Oslo, Norway.
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Stecyk JAW, Larsen BC, Nilsson GE. Intrinsic contractile properties of the crucian carp (Carassius carassius) heart during anoxic and acidotic stress. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2011; 301:R1132-42. [PMID: 21795637 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00372.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The crucian carp (Carassius carassius) seems unique among vertebrates in its ability to maintain cardiac performance during prolonged anoxia. We investigated whether this phenomenon arises in part from a myocardium tolerant to severe acidosis or because the anoxic crucian carp heart may not experience a severe extracellular acidosis due to the fish's ability to convert lactate to ethanol. Spontaneously contracting heart preparations from cold-acclimated (6-8°C) carp were exposed (at 6.5°C) to graded or ungraded levels of acidosis under normoxic or anoxic conditions and intrinsic contractile performance was assessed. Our results clearly show that the carp heart is tolerant of acidosis as long as oxygen is available. However, heart rate and contraction kinetics of anoxic hearts were severely impaired when extracellular pH was decreased below 7.4. Nevertheless, the crucian carp heart was capable of recovering intrinsic contractile performance upon reoxygenation regardless of the severity of the anoxic + acidotic insult. Finally, we show that increased adrenergic stimulation can ameliorate, to a degree, the negative effects of severe acidosis on the intrinsic contractile properties of the anoxic crucian carp heart. Combined, these findings indicate an avoidance of severe extracellular acidosis and adrenergic stimulation are two important factors protecting the intrinsic contractile properties of the crucian carp heart during prolonged anoxia, and thus likely facilitate the ability of the anoxic crucian carp to maintain cardiac pumping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan A W Stecyk
- Physiology Programme, Dept. of Molecular Biosciences, Univ. of Oslo, PO Box 1041, N-0316, Oslo, Norway.
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19
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Utne-Palm AC, Salvanes AGV, Currie B, Kaartvedt S, Nilsson GE, Braithwaite VA, Stecyk JAW, Hundt M, van der Bank M, Flynn B, Sandvik GK, Klevjer TA, Sweetman AK, Brüchert V, Pittman K, Peard KR, Lunde IG, Strandabø RAU, Gibbons MJ. Trophic Structure and Community Stability in an Overfished Ecosystem. Science 2010; 329:333-6. [DOI: 10.1126/science.1190708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bronwen Currie
- National Marine Information and Research Centre, Swakopmund, Namibia
| | - Stein Kaartvedt
- Department of Biology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwai, Saudi Arabia
| | - Göran E. Nilsson
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Victoria A. Braithwaite
- Department of Biology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- School of Forest Resources and Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
| | | | - Matthias Hundt
- Department of Biology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Megan van der Bank
- Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Bradley Flynn
- Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Guro K. Sandvik
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Andrew K. Sweetman
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Regional Office Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Volker Brüchert
- Department of Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karin Pittman
- Department of Biology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Ida G. Lunde
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Mark J. Gibbons
- Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
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Stecyk JAW, Skovgaard N, Nilsson GE, Wang T. Vasoactivity of hydrogen sulfide in normoxic and anoxic turtles (Trachemys scripta). Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2010; 298:R1225-39. [DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00521.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Systemic vascular resistance ( Rsys) of freshwater turtles increases substantially during anoxia, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. We investigated whether hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an endogenously produced metabolite believed to be an O2 sensor/transducer of vasomotor tone, contributes to the increased Rsys of anoxic red-eared slider turtles ( Trachemys scripta ). Vascular infusion of the H2S donor NaHS in anesthetized turtles at 21°C and fully recovered normoxic turtles at 5°C and 21°C revealed H2S to be a potent vasoconstrictor of the systemic circulation. Likewise, wire myography of isolated turtle mesenteric and pulmonary arteries demonstrated H2S to mediate an anoxia-induced constriction. Intriguingly, however, NaHS did not exert vasoconstrictory effects during anoxia (6 h at 21°C; 14 days at 5°C) when plasma H2S concentration, estimated from the colorimetric measurement of plasma acid-labile sulfide concentration, likely increased by ∼3- and 4-fold during anoxia at 21°C, and 5°C, respectively. Yet, blockade of endogenous H2S production by DL-propargylglycine or hydroxylamine (0.44 mmol/kg) partially reversed the decreased systemic conductance ( Gsys) exhibited by 5°C anoxic turtles. These findings suggest that the signal transduction pathway of H2S-mediated vasoactivity is either maximally activated in the systemic circulation of anoxic turtles and/or that it is oxygen dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan A. W. Stecyk
- Physiology Programme, Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; and
| | - Nini Skovgaard
- Zoophysiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Göran E. Nilsson
- Physiology Programme, Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; and
| | - Tobias Wang
- Zoophysiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Stecyk JAW, Kaufman S. Effect of simulated microgravity on sympathetic outflow to the mesentery during an orthostatic challenge. FASEB J 2010. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.24.1_supplement.lb694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Stecyk JAW, Bock C, Overgaard J, Wang T, Farrell AP, Pörtner HO. Correlation of cardiac performance with cellular energetic components in the oxygen-deprived turtle heart. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2009; 297:R756-68. [PMID: 19587113 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00102.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The relationship between cardiac energy metabolism and the depression of myocardial performance during oxygen deprivation has remained enigmatic. Here, we combine in vivo (31)P-NMR spectroscopy and MRI to provide the first temporal profile of in vivo cardiac energetics and cardiac performance of an anoxia-tolerant vertebrate, the freshwater turtle (Trachemys scripta) during long-term anoxia exposure (approximately 3 h at 21 degrees C and 11 days at 5 degrees C). During anoxia, phosphocreatine (PCr), unbound levels of inorganic phosphate (effective P(i)(2-)), intracellular pH (pH(i)), and free energy of ATP hydrolysis (dG/dxi) exhibited asymptotic patterns of change, indicating that turtle myocardial high-energy phosphate metabolism and energetic state are reset to new, reduced steady states during long-term anoxia exposure. At 21 degrees C, anoxia caused a reduction in pH(i) from 7.40 to 7.01, a 69% decrease in PCr and a doubling of effective P(i)(2-). ATP content remained unchanged, but the free energy of ATP hydrolysis (dG/dxi) decreased from -59.6 to -52.5 kJ/mol. Even so, none of these cellular changes correlated with the anoxic depression of cardiac performance, suggesting that autonomic cardiac regulation may override putative cellular feedback mechanisms. In contrast, during anoxia at 5 degrees C, when autonomic cardiac control is severely blunted, the decrease of pH(i) from 7.66 to 7.12, 1.9-fold increase of effective P(i)(2-), and 6.4 kJ/mol decrease of dG/dxi from -53.8 to -47.4 kJ/mol were significantly correlated to the anoxic depression of cardiac performance. Our results provide the first evidence for a close, long-term coordination of functional cardiac changes with cellular energy status in a vertebrate, with a potential for autonomic control to override these immediate relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan A W Stecyk
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Stecyk JAW, Galli GL, Shiels HA, Farrell AP. Cardiac survival in anoxia-tolerant vertebrates: An electrophysiological perspective. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2008; 148:339-54. [PMID: 18589002 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2008.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2008] [Revised: 05/31/2008] [Accepted: 05/31/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Certain vertebrates, such as freshwater turtles of the genus Chrysemys and Trachemys and crucian carp (Carassius carassius), have anoxia-tolerant hearts that continue to function throughout prolonged periods of anoxia (up to many months) due to successful balancing of cellular ATP supply and demand. In the present review, we summarize the current and limited understanding of the cellular mechanisms underlying this cardiac anoxia tolerance. What emerges is that cold temperature substantially modifies cardiac electrophysiology to precondition the heart for winter anoxia. Intrinsic heart rate is slowed and density of sarcolemmal ion currents substantially modified to alter cardiac action potential (AP) characteristics. These changes depress cardiac activity and reduce the energetic costs associated with ion pumping. In contrast, anoxia per se results in limited changes to cardiac AP shape or ion current densities in turtle and crucian carp, suggesting that anoxic modifications of cardiac electrophysiology to reduce ATP demand are not extensive. Additionally, as knowledge of cellular physiology in non-mammalian vertebrates is still in its infancy, we briefly discuss the cellular defense mechanisms towards the acidosis that accompanies anoxia as well as mammalian cardiac models of hypoxia/ischemia tolerance. By examining if fundamental cellular mechanisms have been conserved during the evolution of anoxia tolerance we hope to have provided a framework for the design of future experiments investigating cardiac cellular mechanisms of anoxia survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan A W Stecyk
- Physiology Programme, Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Oslo, PO Box 1041, N-0316, Oslo, Norway.
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Stensløkken KO, Ellefsen S, Stecyk JAW, Dahl MB, Nilsson GE, Vaage J. Differential regulation of AMP-activated kinase and AKT kinase in response to oxygen availability in crucian carp (Carassius carassius). Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2008; 295:R1803-14. [PMID: 18922957 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.90590.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
We investigated whether two kinases critical for survival during periods of energy deficiency in anoxia-intolerant mammalian species, AMP-activated kinase (AMPK), and protein kinase B (AKT), are equally important for hypoxic/anoxic survival in the extremely anoxia-tolerant crucian carp (Carassius carassius). We report that phosphorylation of AMPK and AKT in heart and brain showed small changes after 10 days of severe hypoxia (0.3 mg O2/l at 9 degrees C). In contrast, anoxia exposure (0.01 mg O2/l at 8 degrees C) substantially increased AMPK phosphorylation but decreased AKT phosphorylation in carp heart and brain, indicating activation of AMPK and deactivation of AKT. In agreement, blocking the activity of AMPK in anoxic fish in vivo with 20 mg/kg Compound C resulted in an elevated metabolic rate (as indicated by increased ethanol production) and tended to reduce energy charge. This is the first in vivo experiment with Compound C in a nonmammalian vertebrate, and it appears that AMPK plays a role in mediating anoxic metabolic depression in crucian carp. Real-time RT-PCR analysis of the investigated AMPK subunit revealed that the most likely composition of subunits in the carp heart is alpha2, beta1B, gamma2a, whereas a more even expression of subunits was found in the brain. In the heart, expression of the regulatory gamma2-subunit increased in the heart during anoxia. In the brain, expression of the alpha1-, alpha2-, and gamma1-subunits decreased with anoxia exposure, but expression of the gamma2-subunit remained constant. Combined, our findings suggest that AMPK and AKT may play important, but opposing roles for hypoxic/anoxic survival in the anoxia-tolerant crucian carp.
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Stecyk JAW. MYONUCLEI ARE NOT LOST DURING MUSCLE ATROPHY. J Exp Biol 2008. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.010991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Stensløkken KO, Milton SL, Lutz PL, Sundin L, Renshaw GMC, Stecyk JAW, Nilsson GE. Effect of anoxia on the electroretinogram of three anoxia-tolerant vertebrates. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2008; 150:395-403. [PMID: 18579424 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2008.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2007] [Revised: 03/14/2008] [Accepted: 03/25/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
To survive anoxia, neural ATP levels have to be defended. Reducing electrical activity, which accounts for 50% or more of neural energy consumption, should be beneficial for anoxic survival. The retina is a hypoxia sensitive part of the central nervous system. Here, we quantify the in vivo retinal light response (electroretinogram; ERG) in three vertebrates that exhibit varying degrees of anoxia tolerance: freshwater turtle (Trachemys scripta), epaulette shark (Hemiscyllium ocellatum) and leopard frog (Rana pipiens). A virtually total suppression of ERG in anoxia, probably resulting in functional blindness, has previously been seen in the extremely anoxia-tolerant crucian carp (Carassius carassius). Surprisingly, the equally anoxia-tolerant turtle, which strongly depresses brain and whole-body metabolism during anoxia, exhibited a relatively modest anoxic reduction in ERG: the combined amplitude of turtle ERG waves was reduced by approximately 50% after 2 h. In contrast, the shark b-wave amplitude practically disappeared after 30 min of severe hypoxia, and the frog b-wave was decreased by approximately 75% after 40 min in anoxia. The specific A(1) adenosine receptor antagonist CPT significantly delayed the suppression of turtle ERG, while the hypoxic shark ERG was unaffected by the non-specific adenosine receptor antagonist aminophylline, suggesting adenosinergic involvement in turtle but not in shark.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kåre-Olav Stensløkken
- Surgical Division, Ullevål University Hospital, University of Oslo, NO-0407 Oslo, Norway
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Stecyk JAW. STOPPING THE CLOCK. J Exp Biol 2008. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.010751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Stecyk JAW. BEATING THE COLD. J Exp Biol 2007. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.001131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Stecyk JAW, Stensløkken KO, Nilsson GE, Farrell AP. Adenosine does not save the heart of anoxia-tolerant vertebrates during prolonged oxygen deprivation. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2007; 147:961-73. [PMID: 17433747 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2007.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2007] [Revised: 02/28/2007] [Accepted: 03/01/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Despite adenosine being regarded as an important signaling molecule capable of coordinating ATP supply and demand during periods of oxygen deprivation in anoxia-intolerant mammals, the importance of adenosinergic cardiovascular control in anoxia-tolerant vertebrates is poorly understood. Here, we report on adenosinergic cardiovascular control during normoxia and prolonged (hours to days) oxygen deprivation for three vertebrate species tolerant of severe hypoxia/anoxia, the closely related common (Cyprinus carpio) and crucian (Carassius carassius) carp, and the freshwater turtle (Trachemys scripta). Using an intra-arterial injection of the non-specific adenosine receptor antagonist aminophylline while measuring cardiac output (Q), heart rate (f(H)) and arterial blood pressure, we establish that adenosinergic cardiovascular control is unimportant during prolonged anoxia in the freshwater turtle (6 h at 21 degrees C and 14 d at 5 degrees C) and the crucian carp (5 d at 8 degrees C). In contrast, adenosinergic control contributes to the down-regulation of cardiac activity exhibited by 5 degrees C-acclimated common carp during a 12.5 h severe hypoxia (<0.3 mg O2 l(-1)) exposure. Specifically, aminophylline injection resulted in significant increases in f(H) and Q, and a decrease in total peripheral resistance. These species-specific differences in adenosinergic cardiovascular control during prolonged periods of oxygen deprivation may be related to differences displayed by these three species in their anoxia tolerance and survival strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan A W Stecyk
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z4.
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Stecyk JAW. SENSATIONAL SHELLS. J Exp Biol 2007. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.000851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Stecyk JAW, Paajanen V, Farrell AP, Vornanen M. Effect of temperature and prolonged anoxia exposure on electrophysiological properties of the turtle (Trachemys scripta) heart. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2007; 293:R421-37. [PMID: 17442785 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00096.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac activity of the turtle (Trachemys scripta) is greatly depressed with cold acclimation and anoxia. We examined what electrophysiological modifications accompany and perhaps facilitate this depression of cardiac activity. Turtles were first acclimated to 21 degrees C or 5 degrees C and held under either normoxic or anoxic (6 h at 21 degrees C; 14 days at 5 degrees C) conditions. We then measured cardiac action potentials (APs) using spontaneously contracting whole heart preparations and whole cell current densities of sarcolemmal ion channels using isolated ventricular myocytes under appropriate normoxic and anoxic conditions. Compared with 21 degrees C-acclimated turtles, 5 degrees C-acclimated turtles exhibited a less negative resting membrane potential (by 18-29 mV), a 4.7- to 6.8-fold slower AP upstroke rate, and a 4.2- to 4.9-fold greater AP duration. Correspondingly, peak densities of ventricular voltage-gated Na(+) (I(Na)) and L-type Ca(2+) currents and inward slope conductances of inward rectifier K(+) (I(K1)) channel current were approximately 1/7th (Q(10) = 3.4), 1/13th (Q(10) = 5.0), and one-half (Q(10) = 1.4) of those of 21 degrees C-acclimated ventricular myocytes, respectively. With anoxia at 21 degrees C, peak I(Na) density doubled and ventricular AP duration increased by 47%, a change proportional to the reported approximately 30% reduction of intrinsic heart rate. In contrast, with anoxia at 5 degrees C, ventricular AP characteristics were unaffected; of the ion currents investigated, only the inward conductance via I(K1) changed significantly (reduced by 46%). The present findings indicate that cold temperature, more so than prolonged anoxia, results in substantial modifications of cardiac APs and reduction of ventricular ion current densities. These changes likely prepare cardiac muscle for winter anoxia conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan A W Stecyk
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Stecyk JAW, Farrell AP. Effects of extracellular changes on spontaneous heart rate of normoxia-and anoxia-acclimated turtles (Trachemys scripta). J Exp Biol 2007; 210:421-31. [PMID: 17234611 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.02653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARYHeart rate (fH) of the anoxia-tolerant freshwater turtle (Trachemys scripta) during prolonged anoxia exposure is 2.5-to 5-times lower than the normoxic rate, but whether alterations in blood composition that accompany prolonged anoxia contribute to this bradycardia is unknown. We examined how temperature acclimation, oxygen deprivation,acidosis, hyperkalemia, hypercalcemia and adrenaline affect chronotropy in the turtle myocardium. We monitored spontaneous contraction rates of right-atrial preparations obtained from 21°C- and 5°C-acclimated turtles that had been exposed to either normoxia or anoxia (6 h at 21°C; 2 weeks at 5°C). Sequential exposures to saline solutions were designed to mimic, in a step-wise manner, the shift from a normoxic to anoxic extracellular condition (for normoxia-acclimated preparations) or the reverse (for anoxia-acclimated preparations). Our results clearly show that prolonged anoxia exposure re-sets the intrinsic fH of turtles at both temperatures, with reductions in intrinsic fH in the range of 25%–53% compared with normoxia. This intrinsic change would contribute to the bradycardia observed with prolonged anoxia. Further, we found negative chronotropic effects of extracellular anoxia, acidosis and hyperkalemia, and positive chronotropic effects of hypercalcemia and adrenaline. The exact nature of these extracellular effects depended, however,on the acclimation temperature and the prior exposure of the animal to anoxia. With normoxia-acclimated preparations at 21°C, combined anoxia and acidosis (pH reduced from ∼7.8 to ∼7.2) significantly reduced spontaneous fH by 22% and subsequent exposure to hyperkalemia (3.5 mmol l–1K+) further decreased fH. These negative chronotropic effects were ameliorated by increasing the adrenaline concentration from the tonic level of 1 nmol l–1 to 60 nmol l–1. However, in anoxia-acclimated preparations at 21°C, anoxia alone inhibited fH (by ∼30%). This negative chronotropic effect was counteracted by both hypercalcemia (6 mmol l–1Ca2+) and adrenaline (60 nmol l–1). At 5°C,only the combination of anoxia, acidosis (pH reduced from ∼8.0 to∼7.5) and hyperkalemia (3.5 mmol l–1 K+)significantly reduced spontaneous fH (by 23%) with preparations from normoxia-acclimated turtles. This negative chronotropic effect was fully reversed by hypercalcemia (10 mmol l–1Ca2+). By contrast, spontaneous fH of anoxia-acclimated preparations at 5°C was not affected by any of the extracellular changes. We conclude that prior temperature and anoxia experiences are central to determining fH during prolonged anoxia in Trachemys scripta both as a result of the re-setting of pacemaker rhythm and through the potential influence of extracellular changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan A W Stecyk
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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Farrell AP, Stecyk JAW. The heart as a working model to explore themes and strategies for anoxic survival in ectothermic vertebrates. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2007; 147:300-12. [PMID: 17337222 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2007.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2007] [Revised: 01/23/2007] [Accepted: 01/24/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Most vertebrates die within minutes when deprived of molecular oxygen (anoxia), in part because of cardiac failure, which can be traced to an inadequate matching of cardiac ATP supply to ATP demand. Cardiac power output (PO; estimated from the product of cardiac output and central arterial pressure and an indirect measure of cardiac ATP demand) is directly related to cardiac ATP supply up to some maximal level during both normoxia (ATP supply estimated from myocardial O(2) consumption) and anoxia (ATP supply estimated from lactate production rates). Thus, steady state PO provides an excellent means to examine anoxia tolerance strategies among ectothermic vertebrates by indicating a matching of cardiac glycolytic ATP supply and demand. Here, we summarize in vitro measurements of PO data from rainbow trout, freshwater turtles and hagfishes to provide a reasonable benchmark PO of 0.7 mW g(-1) for maximum glycolytic potential of ectothermic hearts at 15 degrees C, which corresponds to a glycolytic ATP turnover rate of about 70 nmol ATP g(-1) s(-1). Using this benchmark to evaluate in vivo PO data for hagfishes, carps and turtles, we identify two cardiac survival strategies, which in conjunction with creative waste management techniques to reduce waste accumulation, allow for long-term cardiac survival during anoxia in these anoxia-tolerant species. Hagfish and crucian carp exemplify a strategy of evolving such a low routine PO that routine cardiac ATP demand lies within the range of the maximum cardiac glycolytic potential. Common carp and freshwater turtles exemplify an active strategy of temporarily and substantially decreasing cardiac and whole body metabolism so that PO is below maximum cardiac glycolytic potential during chronic anoxia despite being quite close to this potential under normoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- A P Farrell
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4.
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Stecyk JAW. BUSTED BENEFIT OF BRADYCARDIA? J Exp Biol 2006. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.02578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Stecyk JAW, Farrell AP. Regulation of the cardiorespiratory system of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) during severe hypoxia at three seasonal acclimation temperatures. Physiol Biochem Zool 2006; 79:614-27. [PMID: 16691527 DOI: 10.1086/501064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/04/2005] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Little is known of the cardiorespiratory control mechanisms utilized by hypoxia-tolerant teleost fish to tolerate prolonged periods (h) of near anoxic exposure. Here, we report on the cardiorespiratory control mechanisms of the common carp Cyprinus carpio L. during normoxia and prolonged, severe hypoxic (<0.3 mg O(2) L(-1)) exposure at acclimation temperatures of 5 degrees C, 10 degrees C, and 15 degrees C. Through serial intra-arterial injections of alpha - and beta -adrenergic, cholinergic, and purinergic antagonists while measuring cardiac output (Q), heart rate (f(H)), ventral aortic blood pressure, and respiration rate, we established that autonomic cardiovascular and respiratory control was preserved during severe hypoxia at all three acclimation temperatures and contributed to downregulation of cardiorespiratory activity. Specifically, inhibitory cholinergic tone mediated up to 76% reductions in f(H) and Q during hypoxia, whereas the accompanying arterial hypotension was attenuated by an upregulation of an alpha -adrenergically mediated peripheral vasoconstriction. Despite the overall cardiac downregulation, a large, stimulatory cardiac beta -adrenergic tone was present during prolonged, severe hypoxia, possibly to protect the heart from attendant acidotic conditions. Purinergic blockade, following alpha -adrenergic and cholinergic antagonists, showed that the hypoxic ventilatory depression, which reversed the 2.3- to 7.7-fold increases in respiration rate that occurred with the onset of hypoxia, was a result of purinergic inhibition at all three acclimation temperatures. In contrast, purinergic inhibition of cardiac activity during hypoxia might be important only at 5 degrees C. Finally, given that cardiac power output was reduced 72%-87% during prolonged, severe hypoxia and that glycolysis yields approximately 94% less ATP per mole glucose than oxidative phosphorylation, it seems unlikely that the common carp sufficiently reduces its cardiac energy demand to a level to preclude activation of a partial Pasteur effect. This means that glycogen stores will be used and waste products will accumulate at faster rates, a finding that may help explain why the common carp cannot tolerate such extended periods of severe hypoxia (weeks to months) at cold acclimation temperatures as the freshwater turtle, which is able to reduce its cardiac energy demand to a level that does not require a Pasteur effect and also blunts autonomic cardiovascular control.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A W Stecyk
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
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Stecyk JAW. THE HEAT ASSOCIATED WITH EATING MEAT. J Exp Biol 2006. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.02097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Stecyk JAW. EXCITOTOXIC CELL DEATH DENIED. J Exp Biol 2005. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.01945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Stecyk JAW. JAMAICAN LIZARDS' BALANCING ACT. J Exp Biol 2005. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.01652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Stecyk JAW. NO ARREST NEEDED TO PREVENT CARDIAC ARREST. J Exp Biol 2005. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.01469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Abstract
Like most vertebrates, humans die within minutes when deprived of molecular oxygen (anoxia), in part because of cardiac failure. In contrast, some freshwater turtles can survive anoxia for months at low temperatures, but to do so, they drastically suppress cardiac activity and autonomic cardiovascular control. Although Carassius carassius, the crucian carp, shares this anoxia tolerance, we show that it has a unique ability among vertebrates to retain normal cardiac performance and autonomic cardiovascular regulation for at least 5 days of anoxia. These responses point to an unusual tolerance of a vertebrate heart and autonomic nervous system to prolonged anoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan A W Stecyk
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby V5A 1S6, Canada.
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Overgaard J, Stecyk JAW, Gesser H, Wang T, Gamperl AK, Farrell AP. Preconditioning stimuli do not benefit the myocardium of hypoxia-tolerant rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss). J Comp Physiol B 2004; 174:329-40. [PMID: 14999513 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-004-0418-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
In many vertebrates, a short episode of oxygen lack protects against myocardial necrosis during a subsequent, longer period of oxygen deprivation. This protective effect, termed preconditioning, also improves the functional recovery. Improved functional recovery has been reported for hypoxia-sensitive, in situ perfused rainbow trout hearts, but appears absent in another strain of rainbow trout that has a more hypoxia-tolerant heart. The results for the hypoxia-tolerant rainbow trout heart, however, might have occurred because the preconditioning stimuli were insufficient in either intensity or type to elicit cardioprotective effects. In the present study, we attempted to induce preconditioning in in situ perfused hearts from hypoxia-tolerant rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss), acclimated and tested at 10 degrees C, by either doubling the anoxic preconditioning stimulus (PO(2) of the perfusate <0.5 kPa) relative to earlier studies or by using short exposures to high concentrations of adrenaline. In addition, anoxic-preconditioning experiments were conducted at an acutely elevated temperature (15 degrees C) to increase myocardial sensitivity to oxygen lack. The effect of preconditioning stimuli was assessed by measuring cardiac performance before and after exposure to a 20-min anoxic challenge. In addition, myocardial condition was evaluated at the termination of the experiment by measuring myocardial concentrations of glycogen, high energy phosphates and lactate, as well as activities of pyruvate kinase and lactate dehydrogenase. Maximal cardiac performance in oxygenated control hearts was unchanged by the 2-h experimental protocol, whereas inclusion of a 20-min period of anoxia led to 25 and 35% reductions in maximal cardiac performance at 10 and 15 degrees C, respectively. Reduced contractility, however, could not be ascribed to myocardial necrosis, as the biochemical and energy state of the hearts was unaffected. Hence, anoxic exposure merely stunned the myocardium. At 10 degrees C, neither the anoxic nor adrenergic preconditioning protocols improved post-anoxic cardiac performance. Further, the preconditioning protocols did not reduce post-anoxic myocardial dysfunction at 15 degrees C, despite the increased cardiac sensitivity to anoxia at this temperature. Thus, despite using strong and different preconditioning stimuli compared with earlier studies, the cardio-protective effect of preconditioning seems to be absent in rainbow trout hearts that are inherently more hypoxia-tolerant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Overgaard
- Department of Zoophysiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Aarhus, Building 131, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
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Abstract
SUMMARYRainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) are likely to experience acute changes in both temperature and oxygen availability and, like many other organisms, exhibit behavioural selection of low temperatures during hypoxia that acts to reduce metabolism and alleviate the demands on the heart. To investigate whether low temperature protects cardiac performance during anoxia, we studied the effects of an acute temperature change, from 10°C to either 5°C, 15°C or 18°C, upon the performance of in situ perfused trout hearts before, during and after exposure to 20 min of anoxia. Routine cardiac workload mimicked in vivo conditions at the given temperatures, and the effects of anoxia were evaluated as maximal cardiac performance before and after 20 min of anoxic perfusion. Functional data were related to maximal activities of glycolytic enzymes and energetic status of the heart at the termination of the experiment.At high oxygenation, maximum cardiac output and power output increased with temperature (Q10 values of 1.8 and 2.1, respectively) as a result of increased heart rate. Hypoxia tolerance was inversely related to temperature. At 5°C, the hearts maintained routine cardiac output throughout the 20 min period of anoxia, and maximal cardiac performance was fully restored following reoxygenation. By contrast, cardiac function failed sooner during anoxia as temperature was increased and maximal performance after reoxygenation was reduced by 25%, 35% and 55% at 10°C, 15°C and 18°C, respectively. Increased functional impairment following anoxic exposure at elevated temperature occurred even though both cardiac glycolytic enzyme activity and the rate of lactate production were increased proportionally with cardiac work. Nonetheless, there was no indication of myocardial necrosis, as biochemical and energetic parameters were generally unaffected by anoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Overgaard
- Department of Zoophysiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Aarhus, Denmark.
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Stecyk JAW, Overgaard J, Farrell AP, Wang T. α-Adrenergic regulation of systemic peripheral resistance and blood flow distribution in the turtleTrachemys scriptaduring anoxic submergence at 5°C and 21°C. J Exp Biol 2004; 207:269-83. [PMID: 14668311 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.00744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARYAnoxic exposure in the anoxia-tolerant freshwater turtle is attended by substantial decreases in heart rate and blood flows, but systemic blood pressure (Psys) only decreases marginally due to an increase in systemic peripheral resistance (Rsys). Here,we investigate the role of the α-adrenergic system in modulating Rsys during anoxia at 5°C and 21°C in the turtle Trachemys scripta, and also describe how anoxia affects relative systemic blood flow distribution(%Q̇sys) and absolute tissue blood flows. Turtles were instrumented with an arterial cannula for measurement of Psys and ultrasonic flow probes on major systemic blood vessels for determination of systemic cardiac output(Q̇sys). α-Adrenergic tone was assessed from vascular injections of α-adrenergic agonists and antagonists (phenylephrine and phentolamine, respectively) during normoxia and following either 6 h (21°C) or 12 days (5°C) of anoxic submergence. Coloured microspheres, injected through a left atrial cannula during normoxia and anoxia, as well as after α-adrenergic stimulation and blockade during anoxia at both temperatures, were used to determine relative and absolute tissue blood flows.Anoxia was associated with an increased Rsys and functional α-adrenergic vasoactivity at both acclimation temperatures. However, while anoxia at 21°C was associated with a high systemicα-adrenergic tone, the progressive increase of Rsysat 5°C was not mediated by α-adrenergic control. A redistribution of blood flow away from ancillary vascular beds towards more vital circulations occurred with anoxia at both acclimation temperatures.%Q̇sys and absolute blood flow were reduced to the digestive and urogenital tissues (approximately 2- to 15-fold), while %Q̇sys and absolute blood flows to the heart and brain were maintained at normoxic levels. The importance of liver and muscle glycogen stores in fueling anaerobic metabolism were indicated by increases in%Q̇sys to the muscle at 21°C (1.3-fold) and liver at 5°C (1.7-fold). As well, the crucial importance of the turtle shell as a buffer reserve during anoxic submergence was indicated by 40-50% of Q̇sys being directed towards the shell during anoxia at both 5°C and 21°C. α-Adrenergic stimulation and blockade during anoxia caused few changes in%Q̇sys and absolute tissue blood flow. However, there was evidence of α-adrenergic vasoactivity contributing to blood flow regulation to the liver and shell during anoxic submergence at 5°C.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A W Stecyk
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada V5A 1S6
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