Publication at Central Library of Charles University |
2023
Abstract
Acute stress response in the European bitterling, Rhodeus amarus, to glochidia parasitism by the invasive unionid mussel, Sinanodonta woodiana, was quantified by analysing cortisol plasma levels using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometer. We tested a novel method which required as little as 4 mu L of plasma by increasing the volume using charcoal-treated plasma.
Bitterling were observed to increase cortisol levels significantly in response to glochidia infestation. Overall, this technique allows the precise measurement of steroid hormone plasma concentrations in small fish.