Structural and biochemical analyses of cardiac ventricular enlargement in cold-acclimated striped bass

We examined effects of temperature acclimation on ultrastructural characteristics of cardiac myocytes and maximal activities of metabolic enzymes in cardiac tissue of striped bass (Morone saxatilis). Ventricular mass and ventricular mass divided by body weight were significantly increased (29% and 40%, respectively) in animals acclimated to cold (5 degrees C) vs. warm temperatures (25 degrees C). Mean myocyte diameter was increased at cold temperature (3.47 +/- 0.14 vs. 2.98 +/- 0.08 microns), which is sufficient to explain the increase in ventricular mass. Ventricular enlargement did not alter volume densities of mitochondria, myofibrils, protein concentration, or citrate synthase activity. Thus total volume of mitochondria and myofibrils increased proportionately with cardiac mass in cold animals. Activities of hexokinase (34%) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase (42%) increased in cold animals, suggesting positive compensation and increased aerobic capacity for utilization of glucose and fatty acids for energy production. Enlargement of the ventricle and an increased capacity for ATP production in striped bass may help compensate for kinetic constraints at cold temperatures and maintain circulatory support to oxidative axial musculature for swimming activity.