Effects of anticoagulants on stable‐isotope values (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N) of shark blood components

Abstract

The effects of anticoagulant EDTA and sodium heparin (SH) on stable carbon δ 13 C and nitrogen δ 15 N isotopic values of red blood cells (RBC) and blood plasma in juvenile blacktip reef sharks Carcharhinus melanopterus were analysed. Plasma preserved with anticoagulants was not isotopically distinct from plasma stored in no-additive control tubes but RBC δ 15 N values exhibited small enrichments when preserved with EDTA and SH. Results suggest EDTA and SH are viable anticoagulants for stable isotopic analyses of blood fractions but further studies are advised to validate results.

Elevated accumulation of the toxic metal mercury in the Critically Endangered oceanic whitetip shark Carcharhinus longimanus from the northwestern Atlantic Ocean

“…Samples were then frozen at −20°C. We assumed that stable isotope value ratios were unaffected by the sodium heparin anticoagulant, based on findings of previous studies (Weideli et al 2019).…”

Effects of sodium heparin on δ13C, δ15N and δ34S values in avian whole blood

“…Lemons et al (2012) found that whole sea turtle blood samples treated with sodium heparin were significantly enriched in 15 N relative to control samples, though there was a non-significant effect on δ 13 C and δ 15 N values in plasma and red blood cells. In contrast, a study of stable isotopes in shark blood demonstrated that red blood cells treated with sodium heparin were significantly enriched in 15 N relative to control samples (Weideli et al 2019). Bopp et al (2022) found that sodium heparin did not significantly impact δ 34 S values in Atlantic Horseshoe Crab Limulus polyphemus blood.…”

“…studied, so future studies should be mindful when applying findings to different taxa. If sample volume is not a limiting factor, future studies could consider performing their own analysis to conclude whether adding an anticoagulant affects measurements of δ 13 C, δ 15 N and δ 34 S. We also urge future studies to evaluate the impacts of anticoagulants on the stable isotopes values of plasma and red blood cells as effects may vary across blood components(Lemons et al 2012, Weideli et al 2019.According to Käkelä et al…”

“…In contrast, a study of stable isotopes in shark blood demonstrated that red blood cells treated with sodium heparin were significantly enriched in 15 N relative to control samples (Weideli et al . 2019). Bopp et al .…”