Title of Abstract
Effect of Increased Salinity Concentrations on Gill Morphology and Gene Expression in Redear Sunfish (Lepomis microlophus)
Session Title
Poster Session 2
Faculty Mentor
Salvatore Blair, Ph.D.
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Biology
Abstract
Changes in gill morphology have been observed in certain species of freshwater fish in response to increases in salinity. The purpose of this study was to observe the salinity tolerance and the osmoregulatory responses through gene expression and changes in gill morphology of a local freshwater fish (Redear sunfish, Lepomis microlophus). Four treatment groups with six fish each were designed to test both short term (24 hr) and long term (96 hr) exposure to hypersaline water (17 ppt). Fish exposed to 17 ppt salt water had significantly increased plasma osmolality and interlamellar cell mass to gill length ratios compared to control groups. Early testing indicates the expression of genes associated with stress and osmoregulation as well. In total, Redear sunfish exposed to increased salinity seem to display some level of osmoregulatory behavior as demonstrated by gill tissue changes and expression of relevant genes, however, fish were unable to correct the osmotic change by 96 hours sustaining dangerously high plasma osmolality.
Previously Presented/Performed?
Association of Southeastern Biologists Annual Meeting, Winston-Salem, NC, March 2023 | Winthrop University Showcase of Winthrop University Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors, Rock Hill, SC, April 2023
Type of Presentation
Poster presentation
Grant Support?
Supported by the Winthrop University Research Council
Start Date
15-4-2023 12:00 PM
Effect of Increased Salinity Concentrations on Gill Morphology and Gene Expression in Redear Sunfish (Lepomis microlophus)
Changes in gill morphology have been observed in certain species of freshwater fish in response to increases in salinity. The purpose of this study was to observe the salinity tolerance and the osmoregulatory responses through gene expression and changes in gill morphology of a local freshwater fish (Redear sunfish, Lepomis microlophus). Four treatment groups with six fish each were designed to test both short term (24 hr) and long term (96 hr) exposure to hypersaline water (17 ppt). Fish exposed to 17 ppt salt water had significantly increased plasma osmolality and interlamellar cell mass to gill length ratios compared to control groups. Early testing indicates the expression of genes associated with stress and osmoregulation as well. In total, Redear sunfish exposed to increased salinity seem to display some level of osmoregulatory behavior as demonstrated by gill tissue changes and expression of relevant genes, however, fish were unable to correct the osmotic change by 96 hours sustaining dangerously high plasma osmolality.
