The authors' response

摘要

The aim of our recent study was to use physiological differences indicated by protein expression profiles as a screen to generate hypotheses regarding the potential culprits for the observed, altered immune function [1]. That is, we did not design or conduct an experimental study; thus, no cause-effectrnrelationships can be concluded. As Bauhan [2] quoted from our manuscript, we hypothesized that the immunological and reproductive impairments of smallmouth bass in the Shenan-doah River (VA, USA) most likely are the results of several factors [1].