Secondary stress responses of zebrafish to different pH: Evaluation in a seasonal manner

Abstract

Stress is one of the most critical factors in fish health. The response to stress in fish is characterized by the stimulation of the hypothalamus, which results in the activation of the neuroendocrine system and a subsequent cascade of metabolic and physiological changes. The present paper deals with the stress responses of water pH on certain biochemical indices and hematological parameters of zebrafish in a seasonal basis. Zebrafish were exposed to different pH e.g., 7.2, 5.0 and 10.0 and the secondary stress responses were observed. The result showed that exposure to pH 5.0 and 10.0 on zebrafish exerted stresses with reference to seasons. Higher values of blood glucose content observed in the month of summer than the month of winter and females showed higher values than males. Chronic effects of pH on the hematological parameters were also significant between these seasons. In conclusion, exposure to pH at sub-lethal concentrations induced biochemical and hematological alterations in zebrafish and offers a simple tool to evaluate the potential risk of polluted water (acid and base) to fish.

Keywords

• Blood glucose
• Hematological parameters
• pH
• Stress
• Secondary stress responses
• Zebrafish