Temperature acclimation of gross cardiovascular morphology in common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Temperature is of fundamental importance in the functioning of the cardiovascular system of ectothermic fish, with cold-induced ventricular hypertrophy and increased red muscle mass being reported in a number of fish species upon cold acclimation. This study demonstrates a non-linear cold-induced ventricular hypertrophy in common carp (relative ventricular mass (RVM)=0.086±0.003%, 0.074±0.005% and 0.074±0.004% at 5, 15 and 25 °C, respectively), but a cold-induced atrophy of the lateral red muscle mass (RMM) with respect to total muscle mass (2.504±0.554%, 3.982±0.818% and 4.490±0.256% at 5, 15 and 25 °C, respectively). The ventricular hypertrophy in carp acclimated to 5 °C reflects a compensation against the increased workload of pumping viscous blood at low temperatures and the negative inotropic effects of the cold, whereas atrophy of the red muscle is likely due to disuse resulting from reduced locomotory activity in the cold.