Assessing metabolic rates in zebrafish using a 3D-printed intermittent-flow respirometer and swim tunnel system

Rasmus Hejlesen, Freja Burkarl Scheffler, Clara Garfiel Byrge, Kasper Kjær-Sørensen, Claus Oxvig, Angela Fago*, Hans Malte*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal/Conference contribution in journal/Contribution to newspaperJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Zebrafish have become a widely used vertebrate model in physiology
and reliable measures of their metabolic rate are needed. We have
developed a 3D-printed respirometer and swim tunnel system and
used it for obtaining accurate measurement of standard metabolic
rate (SMR) and maximal, aerobic metabolic rate (MMR) in zebrafish
under rest and maximal exercise, respectively. We compared a slow
(stepwise) protocol to a fast (continuous) protocol for determining
MMR. The fast protocol yielded slightly (but not significantly) higher
oxygen consumption rates than the slow protocol and the data, in
contrast to the slow protocol, followed a normal distribution. These
findings point to the fast protocol as a fast and reliable method for
obtaining accurate values of MMR in zebrafish. We make the 3D
drawings for printing the system available to researchers, to help
streamline the field of metabolic research in zebrafish and other
smaller fish species.
Original languageEnglish
Article numberbio060375
JournalBiology Open
Volume13
Issue6
Number of pages6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2024

Keywords

  • Aerobic scope
  • Fish
  • Maximal metabolic rate
  • Respirometer
  • Respirometry
  • Standard metabolic rate

Cite this