Pre-sedation and transport of Rhamdia quelen in water containing essential oil of Lippia alba: metabolic and physiological responses

Abstract

The effects of transporting silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) for 6 h in plastic bags containing 0 (control), 30 or 40 µL/L of essential oil (EO) from Lippia alba leaves were investigated. Prior to transport, the fish in the two experimental groups were sedated with 200 µL/L of EO for 3 min. After transport, dissolved oxygen, carbon dioxide, alkalinity, water hardness, pH, temperature and un-ionized ammonia levels in the transport water did not differ significantly among the groups. However, total ammonia nitrogen levels and net Na(+), Cl(-) and K(+) effluxes were significantly lower in the groups transported with EO of L. alba than those in the control group. PvO2, PvCO2 and HCO3(-) were higher after transporting fish in 40 µL/L of EO of L. alba, but there were no significant differences between groups regarding blood pH or hematocrit. Cortisol levels were significantly higher in fish transported in 30 µL/L of EO of L. alba compared to those of the control group. The metabolic parameters (glycogen, lactate, total amino acid, total ammonia and total protein) showed different responses after adding EO to the transport water. In conclusion, while the EO of L. alba is recommended for fish transport in the conditions tested in the present study because it was effective in reducing waterborne total ammonia levels and net ion loss, the higher hepatic oxidative stress in this species with the same EO concentrations reported by a previous study led us to conclude that the 10-20 µL/L concentration range of EO and lack of pre-sedation before transport are more effective.

Biochemical parameters of silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) after transport with eugenol or essential oil of Lippia alba added to the water

“…In a previous study, TBARS levels were lower in the liver of silver catfish transported for 6 h in water containing 10 µL L -1 EOL when compared to fish transported without EOL (Azambuja et al, 2011). Silver catfish pre-sedated with EOL and transported in water containing 30-40 µL L -1 EOL presented some advantages (lower body ion loss and ammonia excretion) compared to the control group (Becker et al, 2016), but those transported in 30 µL L -1 EOL (but not those transported in 40 µL L -1 EOL) showed higher TBARS and PC levels in the liver than control fish (Salbego et al, 2014). The use of EUG for transport of silver catfish at the concentrations tested in the present study reduced oxidative stress in these fish.…”

“…The results of the present study suggest that the addition of EUG and EOL may reduce oxygen consumption, ultimately improving the physiological condition of fish during transport. Stress negatively affects protein metabolism, inhibiting the synthesis and stimulating the catabolism of proteins (Mommsen et al, 1999;Becker et al, 2016;Salbego et al, 2015;Toni et al, 2015). The addition of EUG and EOL to the water during silver catfish transport likely reduced protein catabolism, since protein levels were higher in the muscle and liver than in control group at the end of transport.…”

“…The metabolic and antioxidant responses of fish exposed to anesthetics have been scarcely investigated (Azambuja et al, 2011;Becker et al, 2012Becker et al, , 2016Salbego et al, 2014Salbego et al, , 2015Toni et al, 2015). Transportation in closed systems leads to changes in the metabolic state of fish and may lead to oxidative damage through the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS).…”

“…N.E. Brown is also a suitable anesthetic and/or sedative for aquatic animals (Cunha et al, 2010b;Parodi et al, 2012;Salbego et al, 2014;Becker et al, 2016;Toni et al, 2015). Both extracts have been shown to be effective in minimizing the effects of transport stress in some fish species when added to the water during transportation (Cooke et al, 2004;Azambuja et al, 2011;Becker et al, 2012Becker et al, , 2016; however, the efficacy of EOL in altering biochemical parameters and oxidative stress apparently depends on the concentration administered (Salbego et al, 2014) and analysis of the effect of EUG on biochemical parameters after stress is limited.…”

Essential oils of Cunila galioides and Origanum majorana as anesthetics for Rhamdia quelen: efficacy and effects on ventilation and ionoregulation

“…VR is a non-invasive method which indicates physiological changes in the respiratory system triggered by acute stressors, e.g., handling (Barreto, Volpato, 2004) and substances such as anesthetics (Becker et al, 2016). A commonly seen feature when animals are manipulated, transferred to confined spaces or come into contact with anesthetics dispersed in the water is hyperventilation, since these factors induce an increase in oxygen uptake at first (Summerfelt, Smith, 1990).…”