Effects of handling and electrofishing on plasma glucose and whole blood lactate of Leuciscus cephalus

Chub Leuciscus cephalus exposed to simulated pulsed direct current electrofishing operations exhibited rapid elevations in plasma glucose and blood lactate levels. Plasma glucose levels were significantly higher 0(.)5 h after simulated electrofishing operations, and peaked 2h after treatment. Glucose levels remained high for up to 4h. No changes in plasma glucose were evident following handling. Simulated electrofishing operations and handling induced an immediate lactacidosis in chub. Initial responses to both treatments were similar except that blood lactate was significantly higher in fish exposed to simulated electrofishing operations than in handled fish 5 and 15 min after treatment. Blood lactate remained elevated in fish exposed to simulated electrofishing operations for 2 h, while blood lactate of handled fish returned to levels similar to those in the control fish within 0(.)5 h post-treatment. (C) 2004 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.