Acclimation to Copper by Rainbow Trout, Salmo gairdneri: Physiology
Juvenile rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) were exposed to 55 μg copper∙L−1 for 28 d and then transferred to uncontaminated water for 7 d. Whole body sodium concentration and sodium uptake (Jin) were measured at weekly intervals; Jin was measured at various Na+ concentrations and kinetic parameters estimated. After 24 h of copper exposure, the maximum rate of sodium uptake (Jmax) was inhibited by 55%, the affinity for sodium (Km) reduced by 49%, and whole body Na+ decreased by about 12.5%. After 7 d of exposure, whole body Na+ had returned to control values, but Jmax was still inhibited by 41%. Recovery of whole body Na+ occurred largely by a reduction of sodium efflux (Jout). Both Jmax and Km continued to recover until day 28, at which time Jin had returned to control values. We conclude that acclimation to sublethal copper depends on changes in both Na+ transport and permeability.