Effect of mercury and Gpi‐2 genotype on standard metabolic rate of eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki)

Abstract

Abstract-Previous studies demonstrated differential mortality among mosquitofish of different Gpi-2 genotypes during acute mercury and arsenate exposures. Mercury-exposed mosquitofish also had Gpi-2 genotype-specific differences in glycolytic and Krebs cycle metabolite pools. The mortality and metabolite data suggested that mosquitofish bearing specific Gpi-2 genotypes might differ in metabolic efficiency, with less efficient Gpi-2 genotypes having higher standard metabolic rates (SMRs) and shorter times to death during acute mercury exposure. Effect of Gpi-2 genotype on SMR was assessed with a factorial arrangement of six Gpi-2 genotypes and two exposure sequences (Control Ϫ Control; Control Ϫ 100 g/L Hg). The SMRs were estimated by measuring oxygen consumption using an indirect, closed-circuit, computer-controlled respirometer. A 48-h exposure to 100 g/L of mercury resulted in a 16.7% elevation of SMR above control levels (p ϭ 0.001). The Gpi-2 genotype and the number of heterozygous loci per individual had no significant effect on SMR in mercury-exposed mosquitofish. The experimental results do not support the hypothesis that Gpi-2 genotype-specific differences in glycolytic and Krebs cycle metabolite pools and mortality in mosquitofish exposed to mercury are associated with differences in SMR.