The effect of cold shock on the free amino acid pool of rotan pondfish Perccottus glehni (Eleotridae, Perciformes)

The effect of cold shock on the free amino acid pool of the pondfish P. glehni not adapted to hibernation has been studied. In the beginning of September, after four days of cold shock, a decrease in the blood level of essential amino acids and an increase in the level of alanine and three-fold increase in the level of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) were observed. Changes in the free amino acid pool in the mussels occur in two stages. Namely, in a considerable decrease in their concentration after two days of cold shock followed by an even more significant increase in their amount after four days of shock. In the brain changes in the free amino acid pools are associated with their total decrease followed by continuous significant decrease in the level of taurine during the first four days of cold shocking. The obtained results are compared with previously obtained data on the free amino acid content in muscles and blood of P. glehni during preparation for winter sleep and the beginning of hibernation.