Consequences of thermal change on the myofibrillar ATPase of five freshwater teleosts |
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| Authors: | S P Heap P W Watt G Goldspink |
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| Institution: | Muscle Research Unit, Department of Zoology, Univeristy of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX U.K. and Department of Anatomy and Cellular Biology, Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine, Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02111, U.S.A. |
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| Abstract: | Myofibrillar ATPase activity was measured in the epaxial musculature of five freshwater species of fish acclimated to extremes of temperature within their tolerance ranges. Changes in the enzyme activity were apparent in carp, tench and roach, cold acclimated fish (10°C) having higher enzyme activity levels than hot acclimated fish (28°C). Such changes were not apparent in eels or brook trout. Alteration of the enzyme activity took less than 4 weeks, and was totally reversible. This suggests that seasonal adaptation to environmental temperatures is possible, thus maintaining locomotory efficiency. |
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