Since the 1960's it has been known that when fish undergo a bout of intensive exercise, the power is generated by anaerobic fermentation of glycogen to lactate and H+, which is similar to what happens in other vertebrates (e.g. humans). As a consequence, muscle glycogen levels decline and lactate levels increase. However, unlike in other vertebrates, in fish, recovery (i.e. glycogen replenishment and lactate clearance) requires up to 12 h and almost all of the lactate produced in the muscle stays in the muscle. For comparison, in humans, recovery is usually complete within an hour and the lactate leaves the muscle to be used as a fuel by other tissues.

We are examining several related issues that offer lots of opportunities for reserach projects, both at the undergraduate and graduate level.

Examples of some ongoing and new projects in the lab.

1) Why is recovery so prolonged in fish compared to other vertebrates? (it cannot be explained by differences in body temperature) How is the process regulated?

2) Why and how is lactate retained in the muscle?

3) How does developmental stage affect muscle substrate preference?

4) Is the model of muscle substrate use developed for rainbow trout applicable to other fish species?

5) Is the ability to sprint or burst swim after a bout of exhaustive exercise dependent upon complete metabolic recovery of the muscle?

This list is by no means exhaustive and if there are ideas you may have as prospecitve graduate or undergraduate student, all you have to do is contact me.