Teleost and elasmobranch eye lenses as a target for life-history stable isotope analyses

Structure and formation of the vertebrate eye lens

The cellular structure of the vertebrate eye lens is conserved across taxa, despite evolving to suit numerous ecological niches (Blundell et al., 1981). Within the eye, lenses are cellular organs that serve as a focusing device, allowing images to form on the retina. In order to fulfill this role, lenses must be transparent and have a high refractive index (Bloemendal et al., 2004; Kröger, 2013). Growth of the lens begins during early embryonic development (Grainger, 1992) and stems from the ectoderm that overlies the optic cup, which subsequently inverts and pinches off to form a hollow vesicle (Bassnett & Beebe, 1992; Bloemendal et al., 2004). Cells occupying the posterior region of the lens elongate to form primary lens fiber cells, which subsequently fill the vesicle (Bloemendal et al., 2004). The anterior region of the lens comprises a monolayer of epithelial cells which divide in a region located anterior to the equator (Bloemendal et al., 2004). Newly formed cells elongate forming secondary fiber cells, which overlay the primary fibers (Bron et al., 2000; Kröger, 2013). Cells in the same layer connect at the poles of the lens in an area referred to as the suture plane. Suture planes result in some light scattering even in healthy lenses, and are believed to serve as pathways of extracellular transport (Vaghefi et al., 2012).

Fiber cells are densely packed and arranged in concentric layers with older cells occupying the central core region, and younger cells sequentially added on top (Bloemendal et al., 2004; Kröger, 2013). This process continues throughout the lifetime of all vertebrates, including humans (Augusteyn, 2010), resulting in a lifetime increases in tissue volume (Bassnett & Beebe, 1992), although critically, lens growth rate reduces throughout ontogeny (Bron et al., 2000), potentially producing near isometric growth of lens diameter compared to total body size. During fiber cell differentiation, protein-coding genes are expressed in a regular manner resulting in variable relative proportions of proteins between the core/nucleus and outer cortex (Bloemendal et al., 2004). These soluble proteins are collectively referred to as the crystallins. During the last phase of fiber cell differentiation, degradation of the membrane-bound organelles occurs in a process which closely resembles the early stages of apoptosis (Bassnett, 2002). Loss of nuclei, mitochondria and ribosomes removes potential light scattering objects, and is necessary for the lens to achieve transparency (Bassnett & Beebe, 1992; Bassnett, 2002; Bloemendal et al., 2004). Primary fiber cells are the first to lose their organelles, resulting in an organelle free zone (OFZ) (Bassnett, 2002). As development proceeds, the OFZ also envelops secondary fiber cells (Bassnett, 2002). In fishes, the depth horizon of fiber cell denucleation is approximately 90% of the lens radius (Schartau et al., 2009). Beyond the OFZ, in the outer c.10% of the lens radius, the process of cell denucleation is incomplete. After the loss of organelles, fiber cells can no longer synthesize or degrade proteins, and crystalline proteins therefore persist throughout the organism’s lifetime (Bloemendal et al., 2004).

Lens proteins

Lens fiber cells have an unusually high cytosolic protein content which, in fish, varies from approximately 0.13 g ml⁻¹ at the outer edge to 1.05 g ml⁻¹ at the core (Bloemendal et al., 2004). All vertebrate lenses contain α, β and γ crystalline proteins, commonly known to as the classic or ubiquitous crystallins (Lynnerup et al., 2008; Bloemendal et al., 2004). Other crystalline proteins exist within the lens, however these are taxon-specific (Bloemendal et al., 2004). The increasing refractive gradient from lens edge to core is associated with the water content and protein concentration of the fiber cells. Water content is controlled by regulation and post-translational modification of aquaporin-0 (Ball et al., 2004; Hedfalk et al., 2006; Törnroth-Horsefield et al., 2010; Gutierrez, Garland & Schey, 2011). The core region of the lens has a high protein and low water content, and is often hard and incompressible (Fernald, 1985; Bloemendal et al., 2004). Once the proteins have obtained this high concentration, they are generally not re-soluble (Bloemendal et al., 2004) and the nucleus achieves a uniform, relatively high, refractive index (Fernald, 1985). Moving away from the core, cytosolic protein concentration decreases (Philipson, 1969), and water content increases, resulting in the reduction in the refractive index. Close to the lens surface, cytosolic protein concentration decreases rapidly (Kröger, 2013). This results in a steep refractive gradient between the outer edge of the core region, and the outer cortex (Fernald, 1985). This gradient is essential in order to maintain visual functioning in fishes as the cornea provides no refractive power in water (De Busserolles et al., 2013). Consequently in fully aquatic animals the lens, with its variable refractive gradient from core to edge, is solely responsible for light refraction, and is generally spherical or sub-spherical in fishes (Nicol, 1989). Proteins must therefore exist both in a concentrated solid state in the core, and a gelatinous solution at the outer cortex (Lynnerup et al., 2008), producing a tissue consisting of two physically distinct zones (Fernald, 1985). The shape of the outer cortex is maintained by the lens capsule (Fernald, 1985), whereas the central core region is a dense, stable structure. In the eye, the epithelial basement membrane completely encloses the lens, resulting in the absence of blood vessels (Lynnerup et al., 2008). Desquamation of ageing cells is therefore restricted as no metabolites are transported to the lens, preventing cell degradation (Beebe, 2003). Thus, the protein-filled lens fiber cells are not remodeled throughout ontogeny. The eye lens is thus a sequentially formed, metabolically inert tissue, almost pure protein, and suitable for hosting ontogenetic biochemical information.

The potential for deriving life history information from the inert, organic, and incrementally formed fish eye lens has been explored, albeit less intensively than for other incrementally grown tissues (Tzadik et al., 2017). The trace element composition of eye lenses has been studied in the context of fish migration and stock discrimination studies (Dove & Kingsford, 1998; Kingsford & Gillanders, 2000; Gillanders, 2001). Differences in absolute and relative trace element compositions between lens, otolith and other biomineralised tissues were found, as expected based on the fundamental chemical differences between host matrices (proteins compared to mineral lattices). Lenses are exposed to the aqueous humor implying potential for post-depositional exchange of weakly-bonded ions, particularly considering the relatively permeable nature of lens proteins (Dove & Kingsford, 1998; Tzadik et al., 2017). While lenses may be a less suitable host than otoliths for the more ionically-bonded metal ions such as Sr, Mg and Ba which form the bulk of otolith microchemical work, covalently bonded ions such as Pb and Hg maybe more strongly bonded to proteins, and thus more effectively recorded in lens tissues. The trace element composition of eye lenses has received relatively little attention despite calls to consider lenses as suitable targets, particularly for covalently bound metal ions (Dove & Kingsford, 1998; Tzadik et al., 2017).

The stable isotope composition of carbon and nitrogen in lens proteins has been explored in an attempt to reconstruct feeding chronologies in squid (Parry, 2003; Hunsicker et al., 2010; Onthank, 2013). Parry (2003) identified an increasing trend in δ¹⁵N values with body size in sequential samples of lens proteins from Ommastrephes bartramii and Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis, suggesting that ontogenetic trophic shifts are reflected and preserved within eye lens chemistry. Whilst Onthank (2013) identified no common ontogenetic trend in stable isotope composition among squid, individual specimens did exhibit ontogenetic variations in the stable nitrogen isotope composition of lens proteins, suggesting changes in diet over the individual’s lifetime. Hunsicker et al. (2010) applied similar methodologies to study the commander squid (Berryteuthis magister) in the eastern Bering Sea, identifying an increase of ∼1 trophic position between juvenile and adult life stages. A similar approach was adopted to demonstrate recovery of whole-life stable isotope records from teleost fishes (Wallace, Hollander & Peebles, 2014). Red grouper (Epinephelus morio), gag (Mycteroperca microlepis), red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus), and white grunt (Haemulon plumierii) lenses were examined, showing consistency between left and right eye lenses, and recovering increasing δ¹⁵N values from lens nucleus (core) to cortex, as expected given anticipated increases in trophic position with size or age. The inert nature of lens core proteins formed in the early juvenile period also opens the potential for radiocarbon-based age estimation. Lynnerup et al. (2008) and Kjeldsen et al. (2010) both reported successful application of bomb radiocarbon dating to human eye lenses. More recently, Nielsen et al. (2016) used radiocarbon dating on the eye lens nuclei of 28 female Greenland sharks (Somniosus microcephalus), estimating longevity to be on the order of hundreds of years.

Elasmobranchs do not possess large, calcified otoliths suitable for age determination and ontogenetic investigation (Cailliet & Goldman, 2004), consequently life histories of elasmobranchs are generally much more poorly understood than those of teleosts. Elasmobranch vertebrae and fin spines grow incrementally, and can offer sclerochronological detail, providing most of the known methods to age elasmobranchs (Cailliet & Goldman, 2004). However many elasmobranchs do not have fin spines, and poorly mineralized vertebrae present challenges for accurate and precise age determination. Vertebrae do offer a medium for retrospective isotopic analysis (e.g., Kim et al., 2012), but many species have small vertebrae, and the mass requirements of analysis coupled with the difficulty of relating vertebral position to body size or age, and the need to remove carbonated bioapatite from mineralized vertebral samples limits the number of samples available for ontogenetic study, ultimately reducing temporal resolution. Functioning eyes are generally essential for hunting in most fishes, and there is selective pressure to develop eyes early in ontogeny. Eye lenses may therefore be particularly well suited to the reconstruction of early life history ecology in fishes. In many elasmobranchs, the yolk or placenta provides nourishment to the developing pup prior to emergence from the egg case (oviparous) or birth (viviparous/aplacental viviparous) (Hamlett et al., 1993). Nutrient assimilation driving embryonic development in elasmobranchs is thus characterized principally by the chemical properties of the prey of mature females during gestation or the period of yolk sac formation. The chemical composition of core regions of incrementally grown tissues of elasmobranchs therefore reflects maternal trophic geography during egg formation. The isotopic record at the core of the eye lens is particularly interesting as mature female elasmobranchs are often elusive, and therefore difficult to observe and study using traditional techniques.

The short review of eye lens structure and development suggests that lens proteins are promising hosts for the recovery of stable isotope life histories of marine animals, particularly for juvenile life stages. However, several additional factors currently limit the use of lens protein as a useful target for the recovery of life history stable isotope records:

1. As lenses do not contain regular growth increments, age cannot be inferred directly from the lens alone. Body length may potentially be inferred from lens diameter if the relationship between lens diameter and body size is known. Body length then may be related to age based on age:size relationships.

2. Lens structure and specifically the hydration of lenses may vary between taxa. Sample preparation and handling protocols may therefore need to reflect changes in lens composition and structure across taxa.

3. Lens proteins are composed of different proportional combinations of amino acids to other commonly sampled tissues which could result in systematic offsets in isotopic composition. The isotopic offset between lens proteins and muscle (or other) tissues should be determined.

4. To improve confidence in a relatively new isotopic host tissue, recovery of expected patterns of isotopic variance within and among individuals and species should be demonstrated.

In the remainder of this study we address the points above using lens tissues from elasmobranch and teleost fishes.

Tissue preparation

An incision was made along the length of the cornea of each fish, allowing the lens to be removed using forceps. To test allometric relationships, the maximum diameter of the lens was measured to the nearest 0.25 mm with calipers. Once excised, the lenses were frozen at −80 °C overnight, before being freeze-dried for 12 h. Once freeze-dried, lenses were embedded in epoxy resin (Epofix; Electron Microscopy Sciences, Hatfield, PA, USA) to secure the lenses for sectioning.

To compare lens core permeability between species, eye lenses extracted from a range of teleost and elasmobranch species were freeze-dried and embedded in blue dyed Epoxy resin. Penetration of the blue dye provides a relative measure of lens permeability to a viscous, hydroscopic fluid after lyophilisation.

Embedded lenses were sectioned using two diamond wafering blades (0.3 mm thick) mounted upon a low-speed precision saw (Isomet; Buehler, Lake Bluff, IL, USA), separated by a 2 mm spacer. The double blade system was used to produce a thin section, with one of the blades running through the absolute core of the lens. This produced a section revealing the lens structure. Dye-embedded lenses were also sectioned using the same instrument and settings, and the resultant thin section imaged using a Panasonic Lumix FZ200 Bridge Camera.

Lenses were sampled for sequential analyses from seven A. carbo, 11 L. nasus and 11 C. rupestris individuals. In preparation for stable isotope analysis, a second section was made across the surface of the exposed lens produced by the first double-blade cut, producing a section of lens, approximately 2 mm thick and 2 mm wide with the lens core at its center. The lens strip was then sequentially sectioned by removing slivers of lens material, measuring approximately 0.5 mm in width, using a scalpel. Sub-sampled segments of dried lens tissue were weighed into tin capsules for stable isotope analysis. Samples of pure resin were also submitted for analysis to monitor potential contamination.

For S. acanthias, white muscle and lens samples were taken from 19 embryonic sharks. Muscle samples were rinsed ten times in deionized water to remove free ammonia, and centrifuged for 10 min, before being rinsed a further ten times. Lens samples were removed from the lens by physical peeling with no resin embedding. The muscle and lens samples were frozen, lyophilized, and weighed prior to analysis.

Analytical methods

Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios of teleost and L. nasus lens samples were determined at OEA Laboratories Ltd. International reference material glutamic acid (USGS40; Qi et al., 2003) were analyzed for every ∼10 unknown samples in each analytical sequence. Isotope ratios are expressed in δ notation (‰), relative to the international standards of V-Pee Dee belemnite and air for carbon and nitrogen, respectively. Experimental precision for C. rupestris and L. nasus sample analysis was 0.21‰ for carbon and 0.27‰ for nitrogen. Experimental precision for A. carbo sample analysis was 0.12‰ and 0.16‰ for carbon and nitrogen, respectively (standard deviation of replicate USGS40 standards).

All S. acanthias lens and embryo muscle samples were analyzed at the NERC Life Sciences Mass Spectrometry Facility (LSMSF) in East Kilbride, using a Pyrocube Elemental Analyzer (2013, Elementar, Hanau, Germany) and Delta XP (Thermo Electron) mass spectrometer (2003). Drift correction using a 3-point normalization was performed using three in-house standards (GEL, ALAGEL and GLYGEL) encompassing a range of isotope compositions, run every ten samples, and a suite of GELs of different sizes were used to correct samples for linearity (Werner & Brand, 2001). GEL is a gelatin solution, ALAGEL an alanine-gelatine solution, and GLYGEL a glycine-gelatine solution. Four differently sized USGS 40 glutamic acid standards (Qi et al., 2003; Coplen et al., 2006) were used as independent checks of accuracy and to acquire the calibration for N and C content. All data are reported with respect to the international standard of AIR for δ¹⁵N and V-PDB for δ¹³C. Results are reported in δ notation (McKinney et al., 1950). Experimental precision was 0.14‰ for carbon and 0.13‰ for nitrogen (standard deviation of laboratory standard replicates).

To account for inter-laboratory variability, replicate glutamic acid standards from The University of Southampton were analyzed at both facilities. Mean δ¹⁵N and δ¹³C reported for standards run at OEA Laboratories Ltd was −3.99‰ (±0.23) and −12.99 (±0.27) respectively, while the same standards run at the LSMSF facility returned mean δ¹⁵N and δ¹³C values of −3.84‰ (±0.16) and −13.03 (±0.24), respectively. Therefore no inter-laboratory corrections were applied.

Allometric growth

The relationship between total length (TL, mm) and lens diameter (LD, mm) was linear across the size range sampled (Fig. 1). The best fit linear relationships between body length and lens diameter are: (1)${\displaystyle Aphonopuscarbo\mathrm{LD}=-3.713\left(\pm 1.279\right)+0.0185\left(\pm 0.013\right)\ast \mathrm{TL}}$ (2)${\displaystyle C.rupestris\mathrm{LD}=-0.369\left(\pm 0.142\right)+0.0108\left(\pm 0.003\right)\ast \mathrm{TL}}$ (3)${\displaystyle L.nasus\mathrm{LD}=4.461\left(\pm 0.733\right)+0.0070\left(\pm 0.004\right)\ast \mathrm{TL}}$ (4)${\displaystyle S.acanthias\mathrm{LD}=0.479\left(\pm 0.181\right)+0.0109\left(\pm 0.002\right)\ast \mathrm{TL}.}$

In the case of C. rupestris and both shark species, a near-full size range of individuals was sampled. C. rupestris specimens as small as 50 mm were obtained, representing the early juvenile life history stage of this species. Similarly, a juvenile L. nasus measuring 1,130 mm was captured (size at birth is estimated at ∼800–900 mm (Ebert, Fowler & Compagno, 2013)). We also sampled developing S. acanthias embryos, thus we are confident that the allometric growth equations (Eqs. (2)–(4)) accurately reflect the relationship between lens diameter and body size for S. acanthias. An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) revealed that lens diameter is influenced by individual size (TL) and species (F_1,189 = 9275.18, p ≤ 0.001 and F_3,189 = 264, P ≤ 0.001, respectively) as the interaction of these variables (F_3,189 = 38.79, p ≤ 0.001). Thus, the slopes and intercepts of Eqs. (1)–(4) differ from one another, and the allometric relationship between body size and lens diameter differs between species.

Comparison of lens morphology and permeability

Sectioned teleost lenses reveal well-defined, concentric banding, which is enhanced during freeze-drying as weaknesses between fiber cell layers promote concentric fractures (Fig. 2). Assuming that within-species variation in lens structure is minimal, distinct differences in lens morphology and the structural response of the lens to freeze-drying are seen between species: G. morhua, C. conger, and L. americanus lenses all have clear, concentric bands throughout, radiating from the lens core to edge (outer cortex). M. merluccius, M. aeglefinus, and A. carbo lenses also display clear concentric banding throughout the solid core region of the lens, but with no clear structure within the hydrated outer cortex region. M. merluccius, M. aeglefinus, and A. carbo lenses were relatively hydrated compared to G. morhua and C. conger lenses, and required careful handling to avoid puncturing the lens membrane, which would result in the loss of the gelatinous material.

All elasmobranch lenses included in this comparison presented difficulties associated with handling prior to freeze-drying, due to the large proportion of gelatinous material.

The core region of all elasmobranch lenses examined here was generally less dense than that of the teleosts. Sampled elasmobranch lenses also show less concentric banding, and increased hydration relative to teleost lenses (Fig. 2). The relative penetration of dyed resin into the lens differs according to the species examined. For example, the lenses of G. morhua, C. conger, and M. merluccius are relatively impermeable, (Fig. 2). Conversely, in lenses of L. nasus, C. longimanus, M. aeglefinus, and L. americanus, resin penetrated to the core of the lens, possibly via fractures produced during freeze-drying. A qualitative ranking of susceptibility to resin contamination was (most susceptible first): P. glauca > L. nasus > L. americanus > M. aeglefinus > S. acanthias > A. carbo > C. longimanus > M. merlucuius > C. conger > G. morhua. We infer that permeability to resin reflects either increased fracturing of more hydrated lenses during freeze drying and/or variations in lens porosity.

Stable isotope data

Penetration of stained resin into the lens (Fig. 2) indicates the potential for contamination of lens protein with carbon and nitrogen derived from the resin. The isotopic composition of pure resin differs markedly from that of lens protein, allowing us to use a simple mass balance approach to estimate the relative proportion of resin in each sub-sample: (5)${\displaystyle {\mathrm{\delta }}^{13}{\mathrm{C}}_{\mathrm{s}}=A\ast {\mathrm{\delta }}^{13}{\mathrm{C}}_{\mathrm{r}}+B\ast {\mathrm{\delta }}^{13}{\mathrm{C}}_{\mathrm{l}}}$ where δ¹³C_s represents the isotopic composition of the potentially mixed sample (i.e., lens and resin), δ¹³C_r represents the isotopic composition of carbon in the pure resin (−29.5‰) and δ¹³C_l represents the isotopic composition of carbon in a pure lens sample (estimated from core values for each species), and A and B represent the relative proportion of resin and lens in each sample, respectively. As Eq. (5) represents a two-component mass balance, it can be solved explicitly to yield the proportional contributions of resin-derived carbon in any mixed sample given isotopic compositions for δ¹³C_s, δ¹³C_r and δ¹³C_l. The equation above assumes that core and edge δ¹³C values do not differ significantly compared to the isotopic difference between resin and lens protein, this is most likely met where the isotopic composition of the resin is relatively low (as here), but the relative δ¹³C values between lens and resin should be noted prior to any assessment of contamination. We cannot apply similar mass balance approaches with δ¹⁵N values, as we expect core and edge δ¹⁵N values to vary systematically (but to an uncertain degree) with body size and trophic level.

Isotope data suggest that resin contamination occurred and penetrated through to the core in all lenses (Table 1). If the proportion of resin estimated in a given sample exceeded 20%, that sample was excluded from any further analyses to avoid excessive errors associated with large corrections. Where the percentage of resin within a particular sample was less than this threshold (<20%), the degree of contamination was corrected for using the following equation: (6)${\displaystyle {\mathrm{\delta }}^{13}{\mathrm{C}}_{\mathrm{c}}=\frac{\left({\mathrm{\delta }}^{13}{\mathrm{C}}_{\mathrm{s}}\ast {\mathrm{CN}}_{\mathrm{s}}\right)-\left({\mathrm{\delta }}^{13}{\mathrm{C}}_{\mathrm{r}}\ast \left({\mathrm{CN}}_{\mathrm{s}}-3.7\right)\right)}{3.7}}$ where δ¹³C_c represents the corrected isotopic composition of a given sample, and subscript “s” and “r” denote uncorrected carbon isotope composition of the sample, and pure resin, respectively. 3.7 reflects the C:N ratio of a pure protein. Lenses of C. rupestris were most susceptible to resin contamination with 39% of all samples containing >20% resin, followed by L. nasus with 36% of samples exceeding 20% contamination. Relatively little resin contamination was observed in A. carbo lenses, and only 13% of these samples were omitted from the dataset due to contamination.

Ontogenetic trends in stable isotope compositions across lenses

Symmetrical ontogenetic trends in resin-corrected δ¹⁵N and resin-corrected δ¹³C values centered around the lens core were recovered for all sampled A. carbo lenses. The total length of the fish associated with each lens sub-sample was estimated using Eq. (1) and the corresponding distance from lens core (mm). In general, δ¹⁵N and δ¹³C values increase with body size in A. carbo with a sharp isotopic excursion associated with the lens core (Fig. 3).

Among-species comparisons of lens isotope compositions

Among-species comparisons in the isotopic composition of eye lens proteins were carried out between C. rupestris, L. nasus and A. carbo. Due to the high resin content of sequential lens samples of C. rupestris and L. nasus, only isotope values from the lens core, representing early juvenile compositions, are compared among species. The isotopic compositions of the lens core of the three sampled species are distinct (Fig. 4) (one-way ANOVA, F = 8.01, df = 2, p = 0.001, and F = 44.13, df = 2, p ≤ 0.001, for carbon and nitrogen, respectively). Lowest mean nitrogen isotope ratios are seen in C. rupestris (mean = 7.95‰ ± 1.68), followed by A. carbo (mean = 11.58‰ ± 1.23) and L. nasus (mean = 15.22‰ ± 1.81). Lens core carbon isotope compositions for C. rupestris and L. nasus are distinct from one another, however there is considerable isotopic overlap between A. carbo, and both C. rupestris and L. nasus.

Isotopic fractionation between lens and muscle tissue

The isotopic composition of lens and muscle samples from 19 S. acanthias embryos was compared. Lens and muscle tissue formed in utero are derived from the same nutrient source (egg yolk) and have similar isotopic incorporation times, not exceeding the species’ gestation period. Due to the small size of pup lens samples, whole lenses were analyzed. A lipid correction model based on S. acanthias (Reum, 2011) was applied to the muscle data. The isotopic compositions of lens protein from S. acanthias show similar variability in both δ¹⁵N and δ¹³C values compared to muscle (Fig. 5, Levene’s test of homogeneity of variances F value = 0.48 in both cases, p > 0.45). Muscle tissue was enriched in both ¹³C and ¹⁵N relative to lens protein (paired t-test, mean offset in carbon = 0.66 ± 0.22‰, t = 12.55, degrees of freedom = 18, p ≤ 0.001: mean offset in nitrogen = 0.66 ± 0.36% t = 7.56, degrees of freedom = 18, p ≤ 0.001).

Finally, δ¹⁵N and δ¹³C values from the lens core of mature C. rupestris (n = 11) were compared with existing measurements of δ¹⁵N and δ¹³C values of muscle tissue from early juvenile C. rupestris specimens measuring ≤50 mm, recovered from the same region (n = 5). Lens tissues displayed a greater range in both δ¹⁵N and δ¹³C values compared to muscle (Fig. 6), but variances were not significantly different (Levene’s test of homogeneity of variances F value = 1.4 (δ¹³C) and 1.8 (δ¹⁵N), in both cases, p > 0.15). Lenses were again generally depleted in ¹³C and ¹⁵N, but mean δ¹⁵N and δ¹³C values did not differ significantly between lens and muscle proteins (δ¹⁵N −t = 0.495, p = 0.332, δ¹³C − t =  − 1.001, p = 0.332).

Allometry

Lens accretion occurs in linear proportion to somatic growth in each of the four species studied in detail (A. carbo, C. rupestris, L. nasus and S. acanthias). Linear allometry between lens radius and body size indicates that the lens presents a near whole-life chronology of chemical information with greater temporal resolution during periods of rapid body size growth. Allometric growth allows retrospective estimation of the approximate size of the fish corresponding to a particular location within the lens. The slope and intercepts of the lens to body size (and therefore potentially lens diameter to age) relationship differ between species, requiring allometric relationships to be estimated for each new study species, at least until sufficient species have been assessed to develop predictive relationships.

Lens structure and sampling methodology

Fish eye lenses are relatively difficult tissues to handle due to their partially hydrated, gelatinous exterior, hard internal core and spherical shape. Two alternative sampling processes have been proposed: peeling layers from the lens, developed by Parry (2003) and later applied by Wallace, Hollander & Peebles (2014), and embedding and sectioning comparable to more standard sclerochronological sampling methods. The peeling technique represents a simple and attractive method to sample eye lenses, but sequential peeling techniques are difficult to apply where lenses are either highly crystalline or highly gelatinous. Additionally, it is relatively difficult to accurately control the depth of each sequential layer peeled from a lens, making cross-referencing to age models inaccurate. Embedding lenses in a resin medium then sectioning could provide a more reliable sampling technique, but embedding methods bring the tissue into contact with a potential contaminant (the resin embedding medium) and permeability of the lens to the embedding medium is therefore a critical concern. We found high interspecific diversity in permeability to epoxy resin among lenses (Fig. 2), however teleost lenses are generally denser and less hydrated relative to those of elasmobranchs. The extent of contamination as assessed by carbon isotope mass balance was also highly variable between species, ranging from <10% for dense lenses of A. carbo, and core regions in other species, to more than 30% in the hydrated outer portions of L. nasus and C. rupestris lenses. Visual assessment of resin contamination similarly suggested that the susceptibility to contamination corresponds to the degree of hydration of the lens, and freeze-drying appears to enhance resin contamination during embedding, possibly because of the development of fractures that penetrate circumferential lamellae. The degree of hydration ultimately influences the ability to sample lenses accurately and precisely via both peeling and sectioning.

Lens size may be a driving factor of the relative hydration of lenses and, consequently, the suitability of a particular lens to resin embedding and sectioning. For example, blue shark, oceanic whitetip shark, haddock and black scabbardfish lenses are both the largest lenses and the most hydrated (a priori observations). Increased porosity or hydration in large lenses may be associated with the demand for lenses to remain transparent and reduce light refraction. With increasing size comes an increase in the path length that light must travel through the lens, which in turn increases the potential for light scattering. Maximum protein concentration may thus be limited in larger lenses to a lower level than that of smaller lenses (Kröger, 2013) in order to reduce light scattering. The structure of a particular lens will ultimately determine the methodology used, and each species must be addressed on a case-by-case basis. The “peeling” technique (Parry, 2003; Wallace, Hollander & Peebles, 2014) represents a high-resolution, contamination-free technique, and should be the first choice method. Where “peeling” is not possible, or where accurately resolved distances across the lens are required, the resin-embedding method provides an alternative approach, but only for relatively dense lenses, and the potential for contamination must be assessed. In the case of highly gelatinous lenses, neither methodology discussed in this paper is suitable, at least for recovering sequential samples across the lens.

Potential for isotopic offset between lens and muscle protein

Estimates of isotopic fractionation between tissues are generally performed across tissues in the same individual. This methodology is relatively difficult for eye lens proteins as (a) integration times for muscle and lens protein are unknown and (b) outer portions of lenses are hydrated, gelatinous and difficult to sample accurately. We therefore took two complementary approaches: comparisons of lens and muscle tissues within developing embryos, and comparing lens and muscle between different individuals but at similar life stages.

Tissues of oviparous embryonic sharks form over relatively similar timescales, are sustained from a single, isotopically constant yolk sac nutrient source, and have no isotopic memory associated with tissue turnover. Embryonic oviparous sharks therefore provide a uniquely constrained opportunity to determine potential isotopic offset effects associated with tissue compositions. Within individual embryos of S. acanthias, lens protein was significantly lower in both δ¹⁵N and δ¹³C values compared to muscle protein (mean difference = 0.66 ± 0.36‰, p ≤ 0.01, and 0.66 ± 0.23‰, p ≤ 0.01, for nitrogen and carbon, respectively).

For teleosts, we compared lens protein values in the core regions from adult fish with those of juvenile fish of equivalent sizes (calculated from allometric relationships); we therefore compare across individuals from different year classes, but of equivalent size (Fig. 6). Mean δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values in eye lens proteins were again lower relative to muscle tissue from Coryphaenoides rupestris specimens, however the absolute offset is small and effectively obscured by the additional variance associated with un-matched individuals. Consequently, lens protein appears to be lower in both nitrogen and carbon isotope values compared to muscle protein for both elasmobranchs and teleosts, but the isotopic differences are less than 0.75‰ and 0.25‰ for δ¹⁵N and δ¹³C respectively, and likely to be obscured by between-individual variation and analytical error.

Recovery of expected isotopic differences within and between species

Transects of δ¹⁵N and δ¹³C values across whole lenses of A. carbo show a high degree of bilateral symmetry, i.e., different locations of roughly equal radial distance from the core record similar isotopic compositions. All A. carbo specimens analyzed in this study show progressive enrichment in δ¹⁵N values consistent with a priori expectations of increasing trophic level with body size in this species (Trueman et al., 2014), and agree with published trends in the lens nitrogen isotope values of teleosts (Wallace, Hollander & Peebles, 2014). The one exception is the presence of elevated core δ¹⁵N value in one A. carbo specimen (M113, Fig. 2A). We attribute this to the presence of a maternal signal at the absolute core, which may elevate the δ¹⁵N value of this sample relative to adjacent tissue. Similar anomalous chemical compositions associated with maternal contributions or larval developmental physiology have been noted in otolith core regions (e.g., Ben-Tzvi et al., 2007).

δ¹⁵N and δ¹³C ratios in the lens core differed significantly between the three sampled species (Fig. 4). δ¹⁵N values increase from the zooplanktivorous C. rupestris to the piscivorous A. carbo and are highest in the viviparous L. nasus, consistent with expected relative trophic levels for early juveniles of these species. A. carbo and C. rupestris specimens were both sampled from the north east Atlantic continental slope west of Scotland, but genetic and microchemical data indicate that C. rupestris is a lifelong resident species, while A. carbo individuals spend their earliest life stages in southern waters around Madeira (Longmore et al., 2014). δ¹³C values successfully distinguish the resident C. rupestris from the migratory A. carbo. Between-species variation in the isotopic composition of lens core protein is thus greater than among-individual variation, as expected for these functionally distinct species.

Additional complexities associated with lens-based methodologies

The data presented above, together with previous published studies, clearly demonstrate that eye lenses of teleosts and elasmobranchs can provide retrospective, whole life records of isotopic compositions, which can be compared to isotopic data recovered from alternative tissues. These life history records can be exploited to study spatial and trophic ecology, particularly relating to early juvenile life stages.

The application of lens-based methodologies to investigate chondrichthyan ecology is additionally complicated by the varied reproductive strategies adopted by members of this class. Sharks, rays and skates expend a large amount of energy producing relatively few, well developed offspring, via oviparous or viviparous (placental/aplacental) strategies. Embryos are maternally nourished either directly (vivipary) or indirectly via the yolk sac (oviparity/aplacental vivipary), thus the chemical composition of tissue formed during embryonic development reflects the diet of the pregnant mother. While this provides a potentially exciting opportunity to study the movements of pregnant females via analysis of lens core chemistry, there are several factors that must first be addressed. The duration of maternal nourishment varies considerably between species, with gestation ranging from months to years, thus the relative proportion of the lens representative of maternal nourishment varies according to species, an estimate of which is required in order to isolate lens tissue formed pre-birth from that representative of exogenous feeding in the juvenile life history stage. Where size-at-birth data are available, this information can be used alongside the growth relationship parameters in order to isolate lens tissue formed pre-birth from lens tissue accreted post-parturition.

In viviparous species, isotopic variability within the pre-birth portion of the lens is likely to reflect changes in diet and/or location of the gestating female. However, in oviparous and aplacental viviparous species, the pre-birth lens tissue reflects maternal nutrient assimilation during egg sac formation. Given that yolk capsules may be laid down prior to the initiation of embryo growth (Wood, Ketchen & Beamish, 1979), there is potential for considerable temporal decoupling between maternal feeding fuelling yolk sac production, and the subsequent utilization and incorporation of this material into the tissues of the embryo. Furthermore, in aplacental viviparous species, the potential for pre-birth omnivory in the developing embryo presents an additional complication. Consumption of unfertilized eggs (oophagy) formed at different times may further complicate the issue of temporal decoupling, whilst consumption of un-hatched embryos (embryophagy) could introduce an additional trophic offset, similar to that associated with maternal partitioning.