A method for measuring meaningful physiological variables in fish blood without surgical cannulation.

ABSTRACT: Gaining meaningful blood samples from water-breathing fish is a significant challenge. Two main methods typically used are grab 'n' stab and surgical cannulation. Both methods have benefits, but also significant limitations under various scenarios. Here we present a method of blood sampling laboratory fish involving gradual induction of anaesthesia within their home tank, avoiding physical struggling associated with capture, followed by rapid transfer to a gill irrigation system to maintain artificial ventilation via adequate gill water flow and then followed by sampling the caudal vasculature. This method negates many blood chemistry disturbances associated with grab 'n' stab (i.e., low pH and oxygen, elevated lactate, CO₂ and stress hormones) and generates results that are dir

SUBMITTER: Davison WG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9845352 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature