The effects of exposure duration to optimal concentration of 2‐phenoxyethanol on primary and secondary stress responses in kutum (Rutilus frisii kutum)

SummaryThe goal of this study was to assess the anaesthetic induction and recovery time in kutum (Rutilus frisii kutum) after exposure to various concentrations (0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 0.9 ml/l) of 2‐PE as an anaesthetic, as well as the effects of optimal concentration (0.7 ml/l) of 2‐PE in relation to different exposure time (3, 10, 15 min) on some haematological and serum biochemical indices in this species. Moreover, the effects of 0.7 ml/l on blood parameters were assessed 24 h after the longest exposure. Significant increase was determined in Hb, MCH and MCHC after 10‐min exposure to 2‐PE (p < 0.05). Moreover, Hct, Hb and RBC levels increased significantly after 15 min‐exposure to 2‐PE (p < 0.05). There were no prominent changes in WBC and MCV. The plasma concentrations of glucose, cholesterol and cortisol increased significantly after 10‐ and 15‐min exposure to 2‐PE (p < 0.05) compared with the control group and all other exposure times. The activity of ALT and AST were significantly increased after 10‐ and 15‐min exposure respectively (p < 0.05). In this study, it appears that anaesthetizing kutum with 2‐PE at 0.7 ml/l for 3 min had no effect on the stress markers.