Exposure of adult rainbow trout to low pH (4.0–4.5) for 3 days resulted in progressive increases in heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure and haematocrit. The haematocrit increase resulted from erythrocyte swelling, a reduction in plasma volume and a mobilization of erythrocytes from the spleen. Erythrocyte swelling probably resulted from plasma acidosis and a reduction in plasma ions (McDonald & Wood, 1981). There was an associated redistribution of body water from extracellular to intracellular compartments, but maintenance of total body water content. Erythrocyte mobilization was reflected in an increase in reticulocyte and erythrocyte counts, and a depletion of splenic blood reserves. Haemoconcentration caused large increases in blood viscosity, which contributed to the rise in blood pressure. Pharmacological analysis revealed an adrenergic component to the cardiovascular disturbance. These events are thought to play a key role in the toxic syndrome.

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© 1982 by Company of Biologists
1982