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Autonomic control of circulation in fish: a comparative view
Erik Sandblom1, Michael Axelsson
1University of Gothenburg, Department of Zoology, Medicinaregatan, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Autonomic Neuroscience : Basic & Clinical
|September 20, 2011
Summary
The autonomic nervous system in fish exhibits diverse cardiovascular control, ranging from minimal nervous influence in hagfish to dual cholinergic and adrenergic control in teleosts. This review explores these variations and their roles in daily activities.
Area of Science:
- Comparative physiology
- Neurobiology
- Cardiovascular science
Background:
- The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is crucial for cardiovascular regulation across vertebrates.
- Fish, the most diverse vertebrate group, show significant variation in ANS control of circulation.
- This diversity presents unique deviations from typical vertebrate patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of the ANS's role in fish cardiovascular control.
- To provide an overview of general trends and patterns across major fish groups.
- To summarize ANS involvement in daily activities like blood pressure regulation, feeding, and hypoxia response.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on fish autonomic nervous system and cardiovascular control.
- Comparative analysis of ANS mechanisms across different fish taxa.
- Synthesis of findings related to physiological adjustments during specific activities.
Main Results:
- Autonomic control of circulation in fish varies widely, from absent in hagfish to dual cholinergic/adrenergic control in teleosts.
- Teleost fish exhibit ANS control similar to other vertebrate groups.
- ANS adjustments are vital for barostatic blood pressure control, feeding, and environmental hypoxia adaptation.
Conclusions:
- The autonomic nervous system plays a central, albeit varied, role in fish cardiovascular regulation.
- Understanding these diverse mechanisms is key to comprehending fish physiology.
- Further research can elucidate the evolutionary pathways of cardiovascular control in vertebrates.
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