Anaesthesia of Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) Effect of pre‐anaesthetic sedation,and importance of body weight and water temperature

The efficacy of the anaesthetic agents benzocaine, metacaine (MS‐222), metomidate, 2‐phenoxyethanol, quinaldine and isoeugenol was studied in Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus). Fish with an average body weight of 33 g were anaesthetized at 8 °C and fish with an average body weight of 1243 g were anaesthetized at 8 and 15 °C. Agents were tested individually and as combination anaesthesia comprising pre‐anaesthetic sedation, followed by anaesthesia. Induction and recovery times varied in relation to the body weight and water temperature. Large fish had longer induction times and shorter recovery times, and displayed reduced responsiveness to handling compared with small fish. A higher temperature resulted in shorter induction times, longer recovery times and increased responsiveness to handling. Lower dosages were used for all agents in combination anaesthesia. In small fish, this had no effect on the induction times but resulted in shorter recovery times and reduced responsiveness to handling. In large fish, combination anaesthesia resulted in shorter induction times whereas no uniform trend in recovery times and no differences in responsiveness to handling were observed. Neither individual agents nor combinations blocked all reflex reactions to external stimulation in all fish of any treatment group. MS‐222 and benzocaine, used separately or in combination anaesthesia, were the most effective agents in reducing reflex reactions.     

Comparative adsorption evaluation of biochars from paper mill sludge with commercial activated carbon for the removal of fish anaesthetics from water in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems

Tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222), benzocaine and 2-phenoxyethanol (2-PE) are widely used in intensive aquaculture systems to control stress during handling and confinement operations. This work aimed to study the adsorptive removal of these anaesthetics from water, comparing two waste-based adsorbents produced by pyrolysis of paper mill sludge with a commercial activated carbon. The use of commercial activated carbon resulted in maximum adsorption capacities of 631, 435 and 289 mg g^⿿1 for MS-222, benzocaine and 2-PE, respectively (obtained by the fitting of Langmuir-Freundlich model), which are between 4 and 8 times higher than those determined for the alternative adsorbents. Even so, the obtained results point to the promissory utilization of these waste-based adsorbents in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems, as an integrated way of managing such residues and treatment of aquaculture waters contaminated with anaesthetics.     

The efficacy of clove oil as an anaesthetic for rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum)

The anaesthetic effects of clove-oil-derived eugenol were studied in juvenile rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum). Acute lethality and the effects of multiple exposures to eugenol were measured. The estimated 8-96 h LC₅₀ for eugenol was found to be approximately 9 p.p.m. Times to induction and recovery from anaesthesia were measured and compared with MS-222 under similar conditions. Eugenol generally induced anaesthesia faster and at lower concentrations than MS-222. The recovery times for fish exposed to eugenol were six to 10 times longer than in those exposed to similar concentrations of MS-222. Clove oil eugenol was determined to be an acceptable anaesthetic with potential for use in aquaculture and aquatic research. Doses of 40-60 p.p.m. eugenol were found to induce rapid anaesthesia with a relatively short time for recovery in juvenile trout.     

Anesthesia induces stress in Atlantic salmon (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Salmo salar</Emphasis>), Atlantic cod (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Gadus morhua</Emphasis>) and Atlantic halibut (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Hippoglossus hippoglossus</Emphasis>)

Stress in response to anesthesia with benzocaine, MS-222, metomidate and isoeugenol was studied in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus), and Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) with no concomitant stress from handling or confinement in association with anesthesia or sampling. All of the anesthetics tested induced a stress response in all species, displayed by a release of cortisol to the water. MS-222 anesthesia elicited the highest cortisol release rates, reaching maximum levels 0.5 h post-exposure and returning to basal levels after 3–4 h. Benzocaine anesthesia caused a bimodal response where the initial peak in cortisol release rate was followed by a second increase lasting towards the end of the trial (6 h). This bimodality was more profound in Atlantic salmon than in Atlantic halibut and Atlantic cod. Metomidate anesthesia induced the lowest release of cortisol of the agents tested in both Atlantic halibut and Atlantic cod, but resulted in a bimodal response in Atlantic salmon where the initial increase in cortisol release was followed by a larger increase peaking at 2–2.5 h post exposure before returning to basal levels after 5 h. The stress induced in Atlantic salmon by isoeugenol anesthesia resembled that of MS-222, but did not reach the same elevated level. Overall, the cortisol release was most profound in Atlantic salmon followed by Atlantic halibut and Atlantic cod.     

Anaesthesia of farmed fish: implications for welfare

During their life cycle as farmed animals, there are several situations in which fish are subjected to handling and confinement. Netting, weighing, sorting, vaccination, transport and, at the end, slaughter are frequent events under farming conditions. As research subjects, fish may also undergo surgical procedures that range from tagging, sampling and small incisions to invasive procedures. In these situations, treatment with anaesthetic agents may be necessary in order to ensure the welfare of the fish. The main objective of this paper is to review our knowledge of the effects of anaesthetic agents in farmed fish and their possible implications for welfare. As wide variations in response to anaesthesia have been observed both between and within species, special attention has been paid to the importance of secondary factors such as body weight, water temperature and acute stress. In this review, we have limited ourselves to the anaesthetic agents such as benzocaine, metacaine (MS-222), metomidate hydrochloride, isoeugenol, 2-phenoxyethanol and quinaldine. Anaesthetic protocols of fish usually refer to one single agent, whereas protocols of human and veterinary medicine cover combinations of several drugs, each contributing to the effects needed in the anaesthesia. As stress prior to anaesthesia may result in abnormal reactions, pre-anaesthetic sedation is regularly used in order to reduce or avoid stress and is an integral part of the veterinary protocols of higher vertebrates. Furthermore, the anaesthetic agents that are used in order to obtain general anaesthesia are combined with analgesic agents that target nociception. The increased use of such combinations in fish is therefore included as a special section. Anaesthetic agents are widely used to avoid stress during various farming procedures. While several studies report that anaesthetics are effective in reducing the stress associated with confinement and handling, there are indications that anaesthesia may in itself induce a stress response, measured by elevated levels of cortisol. MS-222 has been reported to elicit high cortisol release rates immediately following exposure, while benzocaine causes a bimodal response. Metomidate has an inhibitory effect on cortisol in fish and seems to induce the lowest release of cortisol of the agents reported in the literature. Compared to what is observed following severe stressors such as handling and confinement, the amount of cortisol released in response to anaesthesia appears to be low but may represent an extra load under otherwise stressful circumstances. Furthermore, anaesthetics may cause secondary adverse reactions such as acidosis and osmotic stress due to respiratory arrest and insufficient exchange of gas and ions between the blood and the water. All in all, anaesthetics may reduce stress and thereby improve welfare but can also have unwanted side effects that reduce the welfare of the fish and should therefore always be used with caution. Finally, on the basis of the data reported in the literature and our own experience, we recommend that anaesthetic protocols should always be tested on a few fish under prevailing conditions in order to ensure an adequate depth of anaesthesia. This recommendation applies whether a single agent or a combination of agents is used, although it appears that protocols comprising combinations of agents provide wider safety margins. The analgesic effects of currently used agents, in spite of their proven local effects, are currently being debated as the agents are administrated to fish via inhalation rather than locally at the target site. We therefore recommend that all protocols of procedures requiring general anaesthesia should be complemented by administration of agents with analgesic effect at the site of tissue trauma.     

Effects of anaesthetics on the oxygen consumption rates of platyfish Xiphophorus maculatus (Günther)

This study was carried out to find out the effects of anaesthetics, 2-phenoxyethanol. quinaldine sulphate. MS-222 and metomidate. at various dosages, on the oxygen consumption rates of two size groups of platyfish. Xiphophorus maculatus (Günther) at three temperatures. The results show that the oxygen consumption by the platyfish of both size groups was temperature dependent, being higher at higher temperature, but not size dependent. The effects of anaesthetics on the oxygen consumption rates of platyfish were dosage dependent and temperature dependent, especially for 2-phenoxyethanol, the effect always being significantly greater at lower temperature. Small and large fish did not show much difference in their responses to anaesthetic treatments. However, with 2-phenoxyethanol, the effect on the large platyfish was always better than on the small ones at 20-25°C. At 220-440 ppm and at 20°C, 2-phenoxyethanol was more effective than the other anaesthetics in suppressing oxygen consumption by the platyfish.     

MS-222对牙鲆麻醉效果

以MS-222为麻醉剂,在13～14℃水温条件下,用浸浴麻醉方法测试了不同麻醉剂浓度和不同麻醉时间对牙鲆复苏时间、复苏率和24h存活率及长时间麻醉对复苏率的影响以及超有效浓度麻醉剂（60mg/L）麻醉后的抗露干能力。预备实验证明,本试验条件下麻醉剂的有效浓度为50mg/L。实验表明,将麻醉剂浓度从50mg/L提高到200mg/L,供试鱼被麻醉的时间由288s缩短至50s,复苏时间由94s延长至106s;用60、100和200mg/L的麻醉液持续麻醉后,可获得100%复苏率的最长麻醉时间分别为64、32和32min,牙鲆经MS-222麻醉后抗露干时间延长。牙鲆麻醉后复苏过程中存在较大的个体差异,但一旦复苏,牙鲆24h内的存活率可达100%。实验表明,MS-222的合理麻醉浓度为60mg/L,此浓度下最长麻醉时间为64min,麻醉露干时间应低于60min。     

Effects of water temperature and body weight on anaesthetic efficiency in marbled rabbitfish (Siganus rivulatus)

The effects of four anaesthetic agents, tricaine methanesulphonate (MS‐222) (112.5 mg L^?1), 2‐phenoxyethanol (400 μL L^?1), clove oil (70 mg L^?1) and benzocaine (65 mg L^?1) on juvenile marbled spinefoot (Siganus rivulatus) of three mean body weights (7.3 g, 19.1 g, 55.5 g) and at three temperatures (20, 25, 30°C) were evaluated. In addition, the relationship between body lipid content and efficacy of the four anaesthetic agents was evaluated in juvenile S. rivulatus. Times necessary for induction and recovery were recorded. Significant effects of temperature on induction and recovery times were observed. Induction and recovery times decreased with increasing water temperature. No uniform relationship between body weight of juvenile marbled spinefoot and anaesthetic efficacy was observed. Body fat content was positively correlated with induction time only when MS‐222 was used but did not affect induction times of fish exposed to 2‐phenoxyethanol, clove oil or benzocaine. Recovery times were generally longer for all fish containing more body fat. Results of the study show that anaesthetic efficiency increases with increasing water temperature but is not strongly affected by body weight for juvenile marbled spinefoot. In addition, body fat in fish affected the efficacy of the various anaesthetic agents tested in this study, generally slowing down recovery.     

MS-222对细鳞鲑和美洲红点鲑的麻醉效果研究

通过测定不同质量浓度MS-222对细鳞鲑和美洲红点鲑的麻醉效果,检测麻醉时鱼的呼吸频率以及空气暴露时长对鱼体复苏的影响,探究两种鱼类在渔业生产和科研实验中的最适麻醉剂浓度。结果显示：当MS-222质量浓度为80、100 mg/L时,细鳞鲑麻醉所需的时间显著少于40、60 mg/L浓度组,而显著多于其余浓度组(P<0.05)。当MS-222质量浓度为100 mg/L时,细鳞鲑的复苏时长最短(P<0.05)。当MS-222质量浓度为80 mg/L时,美洲红点鲑麻醉所需的时间显著少于40、60 mg/L浓度组,而显著多于其余浓度组(P<0.05)。当MS-222质量浓度为100 mg/L时,美洲红点鲑的复苏时长显著大于40、60和80 mg/L浓度组,而显著小于其余浓度组(P<0.05)。比较MS-222对两种鱼的麻醉效果,美洲红点鲑对MS-222更为敏感。两种鱼的呼吸频率总体上都随着麻醉程度的加深而下降,当空气暴露时长少于5 min时,细鳞鲑的复苏时长先减少后增加,美洲红点鲑的复苏时长则呈逐渐减少趋势。     

The efficacy of Aqui‐S vet. (iso‐eugenol) and metomidate as anaesthetics in European eel (Anguilla anguilla L.), and their effects on animal welfare and primary and secondary stress responses

The effects of 40 mg/L metomidate and 300 mg/L iso‐eugenol (i.e. 600 mg/L Aqui‐S vet.) anaesthesia on the stress response in European silver eel during a process of complete anaesthesia, recovery and long‐term survival were studied. Metomidate is a hypnotic agent with no analgesia, whereas Aqui‐S vet. is a true anaesthetic. There was no difference between fish exposed to Aqui‐S vet. and metomidate, with respect to time to anaesthesia (mean 3.8 and 2.6 min respectively) and recovery (mean 7.6 and 6.5 min respectively). For the metomidate group, the plasma cortisol concentration increased to a peak during the recovery phase, and was significantly higher than for the Aqui‐S vet. group, which showed no such increase. Fish were kept in tanks with seawater for monitoring of long‐term survival (4 months) after anaesthesia treatment, and no mortality was observed in either group. The results indicate that metomidate is a potential stressor to European eels during exposure, and we do not recommend using metomidate in this species. Aqui‐S vet., however, seems promising as a stress‐reducing anaesthetic for European eel, and if used properly could improve animal welfare and survivability during and after common ecology‐related procedures, as capture, tagging and size measuring.     

Inducing relaxation in the queen conch Strombus gigas (L.) for cultured pearl production

Five potential relaxant chemicals were evaluated: 2-phenoxyethanol, menthol crystals, benzocaine, MS-222, and magnesium chloride to induce relaxation in the queen conch for cultured pearl production. S. gigas were exposed to each chemical and were observed continuously for 30 min. Conch were placed on the bottom of the container with the aperture facing upwards (i.e., in an inverted position). When conch returned to their ‘normal’ position, they were turned facing upwards again. This process continued until conch were unable to return to their normal position. Only 30 g L^− 1 magnesium chloride induced adequate relaxation in S. gigas to attempt pearl seeding. Conch exposed to all other treatments, except 0.25 g L^− 1 menthol, showed a strong ‘kicking’ (escape) reaction during the initial 2 min to 7 min of exposure. After such reaction, conch retracted into their shells and within the 30 min exposure period they showed no signs of relaxation. Conch exposed to 0.25 g L^− 1 menthol did not attempt to right but slowly retracted into their shells and did not show signs of relaxation. Conch can be relaxed in 20 min with magnesium chloride. They showed an extended mantle, a relaxed foot and a slow response to physical manipulation.     

Anaesthetic efficacy of clove oil,benzocaine, 2‐phenoxyethanol and tricaine methanesulfonate in juvenile marbled spinefoot (Siganus rivulatus)

Anaesthetics are used in aquaculture and fisheries to facilitate routine procedures, such as capture, handling, transportation, tagging, grading and measurements that can often cause injury or induce physiological stress. Two experiments were performed to assess the efficacies of four anaesthetic agents, clove oil, benzocaine, 2‐phenoxyethanol and MS‐222 on juvenile marbled spinefoot rabbitfish (Siganus rivulatus). In the first experiment we tested the lowest effective doses that produced induction and recovery times in 3 min or less and 5 min or less respectively. Dosages were 70 mg L^?1 for clove oil, 60–70 mg L^?1 for benzocaine, 400 μL L^?1 for 2‐phenoxyethanol and 100–125 mg L^?1 for MS‐222. In the second experiment, we determined optimal concentrations of the four anaesthetics if they were to be used to transport rabbitfish fry. Anaesthetic concentrations suitable for handling and transport were: 10–15 mg L^?1 of MS‐222, 5–10 mg L^?1 of benzocaine, 5 mg L^?1 of clove oil and 50–100 μL L^?1 of 2‐phenoxyethanol. All anaesthetic agents are acceptable for use on S. rivulatus, however, 2‐phenoxyethanol, MS‐222 and clove oil appear to be more suitable than benzocaine. Further studies need to be conducted on effects of high and low doses of anaesthetic agents on physiology of marbled spinefoot.     

Influence of temperature and size on menthol anaesthesia in Chinese grass shrimp Palaemonetes sinensis (Sollaud, 1911)

Chinese grass shrimp, Palaemonetes sinensis (Sollaud, 1911), is an economically important freshwater shrimp in China and adjacent areas. It is advisable to use anaesthesia in this species for certain handling and shipping operations; however, there have been no investigations into the recommended dosages. Here, the influence of five menthol concentrations (varying from 100 to 500 mg/L) on three different size classes of P. sinensis were examined at 8, 12, 16, 20, 24 and 28°C. Induction and recovery times for each shrimp were recorded, and effects of temperature, size and menthol dose on induction and recovery times were observed. Results showed that menthol dose, water temperature and shrimp size significantly influence anaesthesia in P. sinensis. Induction time decreased linearly with increasing water temperature and concentration of menthol, and increased with body weight. However, recovery times lengthened with concentration and temperature, and became shorter with body weight. Average body weight of the shrimps generally decreased after anaesthesia. Mortality of shrimps was correlated with temperature, dose and size. These results suggest that menthol is an effective rapid anaesthetic for P. sinensis, but there may be some disadvantages, including slow recovery and possible mortality for small shrimps and at higher temperatures and dosages.     

Minimally invasive evaluation of the anaesthetic efficacy of MS‐222 for ornamental discus fish using skin mucus biomarkers

Skin mucus has been demonstrated to provide stress biomarkers for evaluating the physiological status, providing new convenient and non‐invasive methods to detect stress response in fish. Here, we investigated the anaesthetic efficacy of tricaine methanesulphonate (MS‐222; 75–115 mg/L) for discus Symphysodon aequifasciata (34.27 ± 4.46 g; 8.10 ± 0.59 cm) using skin mucus stress biomarkers. The induction time, recovery time and respiratory frequency were also determined. According to the criteria for anaesthesia and recovery, discus fish to reach stage A3 (deep anaesthesia) within 3 min and to reach stage R4 (full recovery of normal behaviour) within 5 min were observed at 95–105 mg/L MS‐222. Respiratory frequency increased first and then decreased during MS‐222 exposure and increased after recovery. At 10 min after deep anaesthesia, a lower mucus glucose was only observed at 115 mg/L MS‐222. No change in mucus cortisol and increased lactate were observed in all treatments. Increased mucus protein was observed at 75, 85 and 95 mg/L MS‐222. At 10 min after recovery, increased mucus glucose and decreased mucus protein were observed at 85, 95 and 115 mg/L MS‐222, but increased mucus cortisol only at 115 mg/L and lactate only at 75 and 105 mg/L MS‐222. At 24 hr after recovery, mucus glucose returned to the initial level only at 75, 95 and 105 mg/L MS‐222, while cortisol at 75 and 85 mg/L and protein and lactate at 75 mg/L respectively. Overall, the effective dose of MS‐222 for discus fish has been suggested to be 95–105 mg/L.     

Comparison of the effects of four anaesthetics on biochemical blood profiles of perch

This study investigated the feasibility of using clove oil, 2-phenoxyethanol, or Propiscin as an alternative to tricaine methane sulphonate (MS 222) as a fish anaesthetic, particularly in regard to reducing fish stress. The biochemical blood profiles of perch Perca fluviatilis L. anaesthetized with either MS 222 (100 mg L⁻¹), clove oil (33 mg L⁻¹), 2-phenoxyethanol (0.40 mL L⁻¹) or Propiscin (1.0 mL L⁻¹), and a non-anaesthetized control group were compared. Biochemical profiles were determined from blood samples collected before treatment in controls. For each anaesthetic tested, fish were divided into two groups, one sampled immediately after 10-min anaesthesia and a second, sampled 24 h after 10-min anaesthesia. The values determined in the present study suggested that internal organs and tissues of perch were slightly altered by MS 222, clove oil and 2-phenoxyethanol anaesthesia, but not by Propiscin anaesthesia.     

Comparative efficacy of MS-222 and benzocaine as anaesthetics under simulated transport conditions of a tropical ornamental fish Puntius filamentosus (Valenciennes)

There is a growing commercial interest in the fish, Puntius filamentosus , in the ornamental fish trade in India and elsewhere. The trade is, however, hampered by severe mortalities during transport of the fish owing to insufficient data available on the use of anaesthetics. To resolve this problem, we evaluated the efficacy of two anaesthetics, MS-222 and benzocaine, in sedating P. filamentosus in simulated transportation experiments and used stress response parameters such as cortisol and blood glucose levels to perform assessments. We observed that MS-222 at 40 mg L⁻¹ and benzocaine at 20 mg L⁻¹ were sufficient to induce sedation for 48 h. Above these concentrations, both the anaesthetics adversely affected the fish and resulted in mortalities. Both anaesthetics significantly lowered the blood cortisol and glucose levels compared with the unsedated controls. Importantly, the anaesthetics treatment significantly lowered the post-transport mortality in the fish. The results of the study show that MS-222 and benzocaine could be used as sedatives to alleviate transport-related stress in P. filamentosus to improve their post-transport survival and hence reduce economic loss.     

Growth rates and survival of western rock lobster (Panulirus cygnus) at two temperatures (ambient and 23 °C) and two feeding frequencies

Wild caught post-pueruli, year one and year two post settlement juvenile western rock lobster, Panulirus cygnus, were held at ambient temperatures (15.6 °C to 23.1 °C; mean 19.0 ± 0.07 °C) or at 23 °C, and fed the same ration of a formulated pellet diet either once per night, or 3 times per night, over 12 months, to determine whether elevated temperatures and multiple feeds per night would stimulate growth through increased metabolism and feed utilisation without significant negative impacts on survival. Survival of post-pueruli (mean 63%) did not differ between ambient and 23 °C. Survival of year 1 and 2 juveniles was higher at ambient temperatures (p < 0.01 ambient: year 1 juveniles, 68%; year 2 juveniles, 88%; 23 °C: 57% and 74%, respectively). Feeding frequency did not affect survival of post-pueruli and year 2 juveniles (mean 63%, 81% respectively), but survival was 9% higher for year 1 juveniles fed three times per night (58% versus 67%; p < 0.01). All lobsters grew faster at 23 °C than at ambient temperatures (p < 0.05), with the growth of post-pueruli almost doubled at 23 °C (weight gain at 23 °C versus ambient: post-pueruli, 18 438 % versus 9 915 %; year 1 juveniles 259% versus 165%; year 2 juveniles 23% versus 21%). Feed frequency did not influence the growth of year 1 and 2 juveniles. However, there was an interaction effect of temperature and feed frequency on post-pueruli where weight and carapace length were significantly higher at ambient temperatures when post-pueruli were fed three times a day, whereas at 23 °C weight and carapace length were significantly greater when fed once per day (p < 0.05). Feed intake (g pellet dry matter lobster^− 1 day^− 1) of pellet was higher at 23 °C for all lobsters (p < 0.05), but was the same between lobsters fed 3 times per night versus once per night. This study has shown that increasing temperatures to 23 °C significantly improved the growth of P. cygnus post-pueruli without any adverse effects on survival. The faster growth rates exhibited by year 1 and 2 juveniles at 23 °C may potentially offset their lower survival by significantly reducing culture period. There is no benefit of feeding P. cygnus multiple times at night in terms of growth and survival. The implications for P. cygnus culture are that temperatures should be maintained close to 23 °C during the entire growout period, with due care taken to minimise mortalities through adequate provision of food and shelter. Feeding P. cygnus once daily to excess just prior to dusk to co-incide with nocturnal feeding behaviour is recommended.     

MS-222、丁香酚对多鳞四指马（鲅）幼鱼麻醉效果的研究

本文研究了MS-222和丁香酚两种麻醉剂在不同浓度下对多鳞四指马（鲅）幼鱼的麻醉效果,观测了其不同麻醉阶段的表现,探讨了麻醉时间和温度对其入麻和复苏的影响.结果表明 MS-222、丁香酚分别在55 mg/L、10 mg/L以上才对幼鱼有麻醉效果,最适麻醉剂浓度分别为20±5 mg/L和80±10 mg/L;随着浓度的上升,入麻时间缩短,复苏时间增加.随着温度的上升,入麻时间缩短,复苏时间增加.     

运输时间和MS-222浓度对翘嘴鲌皮质醇、乳酸及氧气袋内水质的影响

釆用MS-222浓度为0(C0组)、5 mg/L(C1组)、10 mg/L(C2组)、15 mg/L(C3组)、20 mg/L(C4组),运输时间为0、2、4、6、8、10 h,运输密度为33 g/L,采用5×6双因素实验,氧气袋运输翘嘴鲌(Culter alburnus)稚鱼,研究了运输时间和MS-222浓度对翘嘴鲌全鱼皮质醇、乳酸含量及氧气袋内水质的影响。结果显示:翘嘴鲌全鱼皮质醇、乳酸水平随运输时间呈现先升高后降低的趋势,随麻醉剂浓度的增加而显著降低;C1-C4组的DO、p H随运输时间呈现先降低后升高的趋势,C0组则随运输时间的增加显著降低,各组的DO和p H随MS-222浓度的增加而显著增加;C1-C4组的氨氮(TAN)和游离CO_2浓度随运输时间呈现先升高后降低的趋势,而C0组则随运输时间的增加显著升高,各组的TAN和游离CO_2浓度随MS-222浓度的增加而显著降低。时间和浓度的交互作用都显著。运输时间T6 h时,MS-222刺激翘嘴鲌,不利于运输,运输时间T6 h时,MS-222能显著降低其应激水平及代谢强度,其中C4组皮质醇、乳酸含量最低,C3、C4组水质条件最好,其适宜的麻醉剂浓度为15~20 mg/L。     

Daily rhythms of cortisol and glucose and the influence of the light/dark cycle on anaesthesia in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus): Does the timing of anaesthetic administration affect the stress response?

Although daily variations in drug pharmacokinetics have been reported for a variety of teleost species, the influence of this daily variation on the cortisol response following anaesthesia remains poorly understood. To address this, two experiments were performed. The first experiment described the daily patterns of cortisol and glucose secretion in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The second experiment investigated how the timing of anaesthetic administration (specifically at mid‐light [ML] or at mid‐dark [MD]) affects the induction and recovery times and plasma cortisol and glucose levels of juvenile Nile tilapia exposed to benzocaine, clove oil or tricaine methanesulphonate (MS‐222). The results revealed that the effect on the stress response associated with the moment when anaesthesia took place (ML or MD) varied according to the treatment (p < 0.05). Cortisol levels were significantly higher at ML for MS‐222 (ML = 116.23 ± 25.55; MD = 48.25 ± 22.33 ng/dl) (p < 0.05) and clove oil (ML 59.73 ± 14.27; MD 38.26 ± 12.07 ng/dl) (p < 0.05), whereas no significant differences were found between ML and MD cortisol levels for the control treatment (ML = 72.91 ± 18.42; MD = 64.80 ± 10.68 ng/dl) (p > 0.05) or in the benzocaine‐treated group (ML = 38.7 ± 4.90; MD = 38.60 ± 3.69 ng/dl) (p > 0.05). The highest plasma cortisol level in ML was found in the MS‐222‐treated group. All the tested anaesthetics had similar cortisol levels at MD (p > 0.05).