5th Annual WML Academic Symposium

Poster Presentation
Time: 4:00-5:30
Presenter: Julia Oakley
Title: Changes in Blood Vessel Diameter in the Tail of the Goldfish (Carassius auratus) Caused by Methylamine Hydrochloride
Developed under the guidance of Dr. Claudia Williams, Biology

Blood flow to tissues can be regulated by dilation and constriction of vessels, and these changes in vessel diameter may be caused by various systemic factors. Previous studies on the observations of vasodilation and vasoconstriction of blood vessels are common; however, most research does not show changes as specific measurements of vessel diameter in fish. This study used microscopy and ImageJ software to measure changes in the diameter of arterioles and venules in the tail of the Goldfish, Carassius auratus, caused by a pollutant, methylamine hydrochloride. This pollutant is transported through the gills into the bloodstream and causes an increase in vessel diameter.