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Brainstem temperature affects gill ventilation in the california scorpionfish
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|August 10, 1973
Summary
Anterior brainstem temperature in California scorpionfish (Scorpaena guttata) directly influences breathing rate. Warming the brainstem increases ventilation, while cooling decreases it, highlighting its role in respiratory control.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Marine Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- The respiratory control center in fish is crucial for survival.
- Understanding neural inputs to this center is key to comprehending fish respiration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of anterior brainstem temperature as a sensory input to the respiratory control center in teleost fish.
- To determine the effect of localized brainstem temperature changes on ventilation in California scorpionfish.
Main Methods:
- California scorpionfish (Scorpaena guttata) were surgically implanted with thermodes targeting the anterior brainstem.
- Thermodes were used to precisely control and alter the temperature of the anterior brainstem in fish acclimated to 20°C water.
- Ventilatory minute volume was measured in response to induced temperature changes.
Main Results:
- Warming the anterior brainstem above ambient water temperature (20°C) resulted in a proportional increase in ventilatory minute volume.
- Cooling the anterior brainstem below ambient water temperature (20°C) led to a proportional decrease in ventilatory minute volume.
- These findings demonstrate a direct correlation between anterior brainstem temperature and respiratory activity.
Conclusions:
- Anterior brainstem temperature serves as a significant sensory input for the respiratory control center in teleost fish.
- This study identifies a specific thermoregulatory mechanism influencing respiration in fish.
- The findings contribute to the broader understanding of neurophysiological control of breathing in aquatic vertebrates.
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