Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

This proposal requests funding for the purchase of an integrated suite of equipment to measure O 2 uptake and blood O 2 transport characteristics in zebrafish ( Danio rerio ), using exposure to hypoxia (low O 2 ) to probe cardiorespiratory function. Specifically, funds are requested to purchase respirometry systems for the measurement of O 2 uptake in developing and adult zebrafish, a blood oxygen binding system for the automated measurement of haemoglobin-O 2 binding characteristics, and gas mixers and fibre-optic O 2 sensors to allow water O 2 levels to be manipulated. The equipment is needed to replace elderly equipment that has failed or is failing and cannot be repaired owing to its age. The research programs of the co-applicants and the HQP in each team are experiencing delays in productivity from equipment limitations key experiments in on-going projects cannot be completed as planned. These experiments are at the core of the NSERC-funded research programs of the co-applicants, which focus on understanding how cardiorespiratory function, acid-base balance and ionic regulation in fish are adjusted in response to environmental challenges. In particular, Perry is studying the metabolic cost of homeostasis in zebrafish, while Gilmour is examining the impacts of early life adversity on the physiology and behaviour of zebrafish later in life.