Effects of Eugenol and MS-222 Anaesthesia on Siberian Sturgeon Acipenser baerii Brandt

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to assess changes induced in the organism of Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) by eugenol and MS-222 anaesthesia on the basis of haematological indices, biochemical blood profile values and histological examinations. The haematological and biochemical indices were assessed in fish immediately and 24 h after anaesthesia. The results showed that despite no mortality occurred after anaesthesia in both 125 mg l-1 of MS-222 and 0.075 ml l-1 of eugenol, these chemical substances severely influenced the constituents of Siberian sturgeon blood and resulted in some histological changes in the gills and liver. Both eugenol and MS-222 anaesthesia caused erythrocyte swelling and haemolysis. The severe depletion of leukocyte number occurred 24 h after both eugenol and MS-222 anaesthesia (mainly due to depletion of lymphocyte, neutrophil segments and eosinophil fractions). Total protein, total globulin, triacylglycerol concentration and alanine aminotransferase activity in blood plasma was significantly elevated (p < 0.01) after both eugenol and MS-222 anaesthesia. The concentration of Ca2+, inorganic phosphate, NH3 and alkaline phosphatase activity were significantly decreased (p < 0.01) compared to control. No significant changes were noticed in the albumin and glucose concentrations and the activity of lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotrasferase and creatinkinase. Results of the examinations suggest that the use of MS-222 (125 mg l-1) and eugenol (0.075 ml l-1) does not cause irreversible damage in Siberian sturgeon.