Meeting Abstract

42-4  Friday, Jan. 6 09:00 – 09:15  Cardiovascular Function of Sub-Adult Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) During Exercise Following Crude Oil Exposure NELSON, D.*; STIEGLITZ, J.; HOENIG, R.; MAGER, E.; BENETTI, D.; GROSELL, M.; CROSSLEY II, D.; University of North Texas; University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science; University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science; University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science; University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science; University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science; University of North Texas dereknelson@my.unt.edu

Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a component of crude oil, can have detrimental effects on animal biology and can lead to physiological disruptions. Previous studies have shown that crude oil exposure decreases aerobic scope and reduces swimming performance of pelagic marine fishes. This general deleterious effect of crude oil exposure has been suggested to be based in an overall reduction in cardiovascular function however this speculation remains unverified. In this study, the impact of crude oil exposure on cardiovascular function was quantified in cobia (Rachycentron canadum), a marine pelagic species, with combined metabolic and swimming assessments. Our findings indicate crude oil exposure reduces stroke volume and swimming performance without affecting heart rate or aerobic scope. Overall the data suggest reduction in swim performance can be partially attributed to cardiac output limitations based on a reduction in stroke volume in the cobia.