Circulatory and respiratory effects of an hypoxic stress in the Siberian sturgeon

Changes in circulatory, ventilatory and acid-base variables were studied in Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baeri) exposed to acute and severe hypoxia (PWO2 = 10 torr), followed by a rapid return to normoxia. This treatment caused a significant stress, revealed by the high levels of plasma catecholamines and cortisol. The moderate circulatory changes firstly observed would represent the effects of increased plasma catecholamine levels together with an increased adrenergic nervous tone on the cardiovascular system. Then, these effects were masked by a possible vagal reflex resulting in bradycardia. Deep hypoxia induced a ventilatory alkalosis combined with a moderate metabolic acidosis. The latter amplified concomitantly with a massive flush of lactate into the blood stream. The initial hyperventilation was followed by a deep ventilatory depression. During return to normoxia, hyperventilation resumed consistent with the repayment of an oxygen debt. Thus, the sturgeon, although considered as an archaic fish, developed the same adaptative responses as teleosts submitted to comparable hypoxic conditions.