Fish Really Do Feel Pain
Study found 58 nerve receptors in a rainbow trout’s head
HealthScoutNews — The first proof that fish feel pain is outlined in a study by University of Edinburgh and Roslin Institute researchers that appears in the journal Proceedings B.
While it’s already been established that mammals and birds can feel pain, the question of whether fish feel pain has remained unanswered.
The researchers tested the responses of anesthetized rainbow trout to various mechanical, thermal and chemical stimuli. They found 58 receptors in the face and head of the rainbow trout that responded to at least one of the stimuli.
The study says that 22 of those receptors could be classified as nocieptors — receptors that respond to tissue-damaging stimuli.
The researchers determined that not only are there nervous system receptors in the head and face of the trout that respond to damaging stimuli, but short-acting noxious substances such as bee venom produce significant behavioral and physiological changes in the fish. These occur over a prolonged period similar to that observed in higher mammals.
“Our research demonstrates nocireception and suggests that noxious stimulation in the rainbow trout had adverse behavioral and physiological effects. This fulfills the criteria for animal pain,” researcher Dr. Lynne Sneddon says in a news release.
—–
On the Net:
More science, space, and technology from RedNova
Copyright © 2003 HealthScoutNews. All rights reserved. The information contained above is intended for general reference purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or a medical exam. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment. Medical information changes rapidly and while Yahoo and its content providers make efforts to update the content on the site, some information may be out of date. No health information on Yahoo, including information about herbal therapies and other dietary supplements, is regulated or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and therefore the information should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of a medical doctor.