Simultaneous oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production of Sheepshead minnows exposed to anthraquinone

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a common ecological factor that can greatly enhance the toxicity of crude oil and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), compounding exposure in aquatic environments. The gills of adult fishes may be the first tissue impacted by PAH exposure which could compromise gill epithelial tissue function including gas diffusion and osmoregulation. To investigate the impacts of UV enhanced PAHs on fish gills, adult Sheepshead minnows were exposed to anthraquinone (a photo-modified PAH; 40 µg/L dissolved in Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)) for 48-hours. Following exposure Mitochondrial respiration was measured in extracted gill filaments using an Oroboros Respirometer. We hypothesized mitochondrial function would be compromised and manifest as decreased respiration in conjunction with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Minnows were exposed for 48-hours to anthraquinone dissolved in Dimethyl sulfoxide.