Sub-lethal effect of chlorpyrifos on protein metabolism of the food fish Clarias batrachus and monitoring of recovery

The effect of sub-lethal concentrations of chlorpyrifos on protein metabolism in physiological important tissues, namely gills, kidney, liver, and muscle of the freshwater fish, Clarias batrachus, was studied. Fish were exposed to 1/20th and 1/10th of 96?h LC₅₀ concentrations for 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. After 28 days of exposure, fish were released into fresh water and kept in the same for 21 days in order to study the recovery. Fish were sacrificed at the stipulated periods and gills, kidney, liver, and muscle tissues were used for the estimation of total protein, amino acids, ammonia, urea, glutamine, protease, transaminases, and phosphatases. Total protein, amino acid, and ammonia contents were decreased in all tissues for 28 days and recovery was observed during the recovery period. Urea and glutamine levels were elevated, except in kidneys, and recovered at the end of the recovery period. The activities of protease, alanine, and aspartate aminotransferases, and acid and alkaline phosphatases were elevated in the tissues for 28 days exposure at both concentrations. Recovery of these enzymes activities was noticed during depuration.     

Determination of pesticide residues in muscle of Cyprinus carpio from River Ravi

The levels of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), endosulfan, endosulfan sulfate, carbofuran, and cartap were determined in muscles of Cyprinus Carpio sampled from 10 different sites of River Ravi between Shahdara to Balloki Headworks to assess level of contamination of these pesticides by GC-ECD (gas chromatograph equipped with electron capture detector) method. All fish samples were found contaminated with different concentrations of DDT, DDE, endosulfan, and carbofuran. DDT and DDE concentrations were higher than maximum residue limits (MRL) in food standards, while endosulfan sulfate and cartap were not detected. These findings indicate that pesticide concentrations in fish muscles decreased in the order: DDT > DDE > carbofuran > endosulfan. Furthermore, the sampling sites after Degh fall and beyond Hudiara Nulla Fall river sampling sites were more polluted. It is proposed that constant monitoring programs are needed to assess potential exposure risks.     

两种喂食方式下微囊藻毒素-LR在罗非鱼肝脏和肌肉中动态变化的比较

试验以尼罗罗非鱼作为受试动物,通过直接投喂未经处理的新鲜藻细胞和喂食相同量经超声波破碎过的藻细胞,比较了罗非鱼在摄食完整蓝藻细胞与摄食破碎的蓝藻细胞时微囊藻毒素-LR(MC-LR)在其体内的动态变化规律及代谢差异.结果表明,无论是喂食破碎蓝藻细胞还是未破碎的蓝藻细胞均可在罗非鱼肝脏和肌肉中检出MC-LR,细胞破碎组肝脏和肌肉的富集能力高于未破碎组.富集第3d,即可在肝脏和肌肉中检出不同程度的MC-LR,肝脏中MC-LR的含量显著高于肌肉,随着富集时间的延长,MC-LR的含量总体呈上升趋势,破碎组肝脏和肌肉分别在染毒的16d和11d达到最大值(分别为2.021μg·g-1和0.071μg·g-1);未破碎组则分别在染毒的24d和21d达到最大值(分别为1.856μg·g-1和0.036μg·g-1).整个富集阶段破碎组肝脏MC-LR的平均值为1.171μg·g-1,略高于未破碎组的1.029μg·g-1;破碎组肌肉含量的平均值0.051μg·g-1,高于未破碎组的0.029μg·g-1.将细胞未破碎组的罗非鱼进行释放阶段的试验.结果表明,罗非鱼的肝脏能快速清除MC-LR,释放13d时达到释放阶段的最低值(为0.241μg·g-1),与肝脏相比,肌肉对毒素的清除要缓慢得多.     

Toxicity of cypermethrin on total lipids and free fatty acids in liver,muscle, kidney and ovary of Clarias batrachus (L) and recovery response

Alterations in the levels of lipid metabolites, total lipids and free fatty acids, were studied in physiologically important tissues viz; liver, muscle, kidney and ovary of a freshwater edible fish Clarias batrachus. The fish was exposed to sublethal concentration (1/3 of LC50 value for 96?h) of a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide, cypermethrin for 1, 5 and 10 days. After 10 days of exposure, fish were released into fresh water and total lipids and free fatty acids were determined at intervals of 1, 5 and 10 days to assess fish recovery response after cessation of cypermethrin exposure. Fish showed an increased rate of lipogenesis in liver, muscle, kidney and ovary during the exposure period followed by a decrease after transfer of fish into fresh water. There was also an elevation in liver and kidney free fatty acids contents, while the muscle and ovary free fatty acid contents were reduced during exposure period. The alterations in free fatty acids were restored to near normal values after 10 days of cessation of exposure.     

Screening for acute ocular toxicity of commercialized products of cartap,an insecticide,and correlation to blood concentrations in rabbits

Cartap is an insecticide known to produce contraction and damage to mouse and rabbit diaphragms, and plays a pivotal role in respiratory paralysis and mortality in rabbits. The aim of this study was conducted to screen for the toxic properties and blood concentrations of commercialized cartap products in New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits. Five granular formulations (GRs) with different concentrations (4, 6, 6.5, 6.66 or 10%) and seven water-soluble powders (SPs, 50%) of commercialized cartap products were chosen to study toxicity following ocular instillation. Furthermore, ocular instillation (5, 12.5, 25 or 50 mg kg^?1) and oral administration (25 mg kg^?1) of the technical material (TC) cartap was also performed to compare blood concentration changes in rabbits. There was no death or eye irritation with all GR products; however, soluble powder (SP) products produced severe toxicity and mortality in rabbits. The blood concentration of TC cartap in rabbits started to increase from 2 min and reached peak levels at 7–9 min after ocular instillation in a dose-related pattern. For comparison of the blood distribution of cartap via different administration routes, oral exposure exhibited a higher absorption of cartap than ocular instillation. It was suggested that the commercialized GR products of cartap were safe but 50% SP products were highly toxic to rabbits following ocular exposure. This study provides valuable data to screen for potential acute toxicity of cartap to farmers and animals in the field.     

Effect of surfactants on phosphatase level of fresh water fish Labeo rohita

Alterations in the activity of enzymes Acid phosphatase (E.C.3.1.3.2) and Alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1) in organs such as liver, gills and muscle of rohu following its exposure to surfactants viz. CTAB, SDS and Triton X-100 were analyzed. Different levels of exposure were given depending on the LC50 value of the surfactant used. Also, the influence of age and weight of the organisms was tested simultaneously. The activity of ACP in the tissues of fish exposed to all the three surfactants showed marked enhancement after exposure; the effect being highest in the liver followed by gill and muscle. Activity levels of ALP in different tissues of the fish exposed to the surfactants also showed an increase. Maximum increase was found in the liver followed by muscle, and gill. The increase in the levels of these enzymes indicates a stressful condition of the fish.     

十溴二苯乙烷对草鱼幼鱼肝脏和肌肉组织氧化应激效应的影响

十溴二苯乙烷(DBDPE)是目前在全球范围内广泛使用的新型溴代阻燃剂,其环境风险已引起广泛关注,但目前仍缺乏针对水生生物的毒性研究数据。作者通过饲料中添加十溴二苯乙烷暴露的方式对草鱼幼鱼进行长期暴露实验,研究500、1 000和3 000 mg·kg~(-1)三个饲料添加剂量暴露组和1个对照组长期暴露对草鱼幼鱼肝脏和肌肉组织中氧化应激酶(SOD、CAT和GSH-PX)活性和抗氧化物质(GSH)含量的影响。结果显示:暴露8周后,随着DBDPE暴露水平的升高,草鱼幼鱼肝脏组织中氧化应激酶(SOD、CAT和GSH-PX)和抗氧化物质(GSH)均表现出低浓度诱导及高浓度抑制的效应。500和1 000 mg·kg~(-1)剂量组草鱼幼鱼肝脏组织中SOD、CAT和GSH-PX活性和GSH含量均显著高于对照组(P0.05),且均在500 mg·kg~(-1)剂量组达到最高。3 000 mg·kg~(-1)剂量组SOD、CAT和GSH-PX活性和GSH含量低于500和1 000 mg·kg~(-1)暴露组,但与对照组无显著性差异(P0.05)。草鱼幼鱼肌肉组织中氧化应激酶活性变化甚微,3个浓度剂量组肌肉组织中SOD、CAT活性和GSH含量以及500 mg·kg~(-1)剂量组GSH-PX活性与对照组均无显著性差异(P0.05)。研究成果表明DBDPE暴露影响草鱼幼鱼肝脏组织的抗氧化防御系统,可以诱导草鱼幼鱼产生氧化应激效应。     

Assessment of lead and cadmium residues in farmed fish in Machakos and Kiambu counties,Kenya

Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) concentrations were determined in muscle, gonad, liver and brain of tilapia fish caught from fish ponds in Machakos and Kiambu counties in Kenya. A total of 217 fish samples were randomly sampled from the two counties. Acid digestion method and atomic absorption spectrophotometer were used for analysis. Heavy metal concentrations varied significantly depending on the type of tissue analyzed. Generally, the highest concentration of Pb was detected in brain and the liver. Fish organs contained Pb in the following order: brain > liver > muscle > gonad, while Cd followed the order: brain > liver > gonad > muscle. Kiambu county recorded higher concentration of the studied heavy metals compared to Machakos county although statistically there was no difference. Lead and Cd content in both counties studied exceeded the maximum allowable limit. The study recommended controlling industrial and agricultural effluents into surface water and proper sitting of ponds to minimize the risk of contamination of farmed fish by heavy metals.     

微囊藻毒素在鲋鱼体内生物富集及其体内的抗氧化反应

为了解微囊藻毒索在鲋鱼Carassius auratus L.体内生物富集作用,用LC/MS监测不同时间的鲋鱼肝脏、肌肉,以及饲养用水中痕量的微囊藻毒素.结果显示,肌肉组织中MC-RR和MC-LR的含量在18 d时达到峰值,分别为7.87 ng·g~(-1)和2.18 ng·g~(-1);而肝脏组织中MC-RR和MC-LR的含量在鲋鱼暴露9天时达到最高值,分别为25.30 ng·g~(-1)和33.27ng·g~(-1).研究结果支持肝脏组织是MCs的主要靶向器官,并且表明肝脏组织对MC-LR的富集量远大于MC-RR,而肌肉组织更易于积累MC-RR.文章还研究了鲋鱼体内的抗氧化酶(SOD、CAT、GST、GR酶)的活性变化,对MCs介导的氧化胁迫进行了评估.通过分别测定暴露不同时间点(3、9、18 d)肝脏和肌肉组织中的抗氧化酶的活性,发现它们的活性与组织中MCs的含量基本呈正相关,可能对MCs介导的氧化胁迫有缓解作用.以上表明,MCs能在鱼体内积累,抗氧化系统虽可缓解,但不能完全降解.因此食用被MCs污染的鱼类存在潜在的食品安全风险.     

Is frequent consumption of tuna fish safe? Evidence of liver damages in rats fed on red or white meat from tuna fish caught in the Gulf of Gab��s (Tunisian coast)

In recent years, a number of studies have clearly pointed out the nutritional benefits of fish consumption. However, some concerns about potential health risks derived from contaminants found in fish have also been raised. Therefore, balancing adequately the risks and benefits of fish consumption is currently a health key issue. As tuna fish represents a large part of the traditional food in some countries, the possible impact of tuna fish consumption on public health was investigated. Hepatic damages following consumption of tuna fish white (ordinary) or red (dark) muscle were evaluated in rat. Under our experimental conditions, feeding the animals for 60?days with white or, more markedly, red tuna meat resulted in 1) an elevated uric acid level in blood, 2) an accumulation of lead in liver, 3) an atrophy of liver, 4) an increase in plasma aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities, and 5) an oxidative stress in liver including an increased level of lipids peroxidation and enhanced activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. In addition, liver histology revealed several abnormalities. These alterations could be attributed to both lead accumulation and high purine levels in tuna meat. We conclude that attention should be paid to a possible health impact of frequent and important consumption of tuna fish meat, especially the dark one.     

低浓度阿维菌素对鲤鱼超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）的影响(Effect of Low Concentration of Avermectins on Superoxide Dismutase （SOD）Activities in Common Carp)

研究了阿维菌素长期暴露下鲤鱼肝脏和肌肉超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性的动态变化.结果表明:阿维菌素对SOD活性具有较大影响.低浓度组(3.2μg·L-1)SOD活性随暴露时间无显著变化(p>0.05);中浓度组(5.6μg·L-1和7.5μg·L-1)SOD活性先显著上升(p<0.05),随后又显著下降(p<0.05);高浓度组(10μg·L-1和18μg·L-1)SOD活性呈逐渐下降趋势,48h后极显著低于对照(p<0.01).解除污染胁迫10d,低浓度和中浓度组SOD活性能恢复到正常水平,但高浓度组SOD活性不能恢复到正常水平,说明低浓度阿维菌素对鲤鱼机体产生的损伤是可逆性的,而高浓度阿维菌素会对鲤鱼机体产生不可逆损伤.阿维菌素暴露浓度与其对鲤鱼肝脏和肌肉SOD活性抑制率之间具有显著剂量-效应关系,可以考虑将其作为水体中阿维菌素类药物污染的生物标志物;同时,由于正常鲤鱼(对照组)肌肉中SOD活性和受污染胁迫时SOD活性变化的显著性远低于肝脏,因此在考虑用SOD作为生物标志物对水体中阿维菌素污染进行监测时,肝脏是比较理想的取样器官.     

The microcystins-induced DNA damage in the liver and the heart of zebrafish,Danio rerio

Microcystins (MCYST) are the freshwater cyanobacterial toxins, known to induce hepatocellular carcinoma, necrosis, intrahepatic bleeding, as well as human and livestock mortality. Within hepatocytes, MCYST selectively bind to protein phosphatases 1 and 2A, resulting in severe liver damage. The toxicology of MCYST in mice and rats has been well studied, but little is known regarding genotoxicity in aquatic animals. In this study, the zebrafish, Danio rerio was exposed to crude extract of Microcystis aeruginosa bloom. Liver and heart were examined for MCYST-induced toxicity. Light microscopy at 36?h revealed severe, widespread apoptotic necrosis of the majority of hepatocytes, and cytoskeletal deformation in myocardiocytes. Hepatocytes were dissociated with cell shrinkage and margination of nuclear chromatin. Laddering of genomic DNA from the liver and heart of the exposed fish in an increment of 180–200?bp was consistent with apoptosis. Fluorimetric analysis of DNA unwinding was carried out to determine the DNA strand breakage. After 36?h exposure, the % double-stranded DNA was significantly reduced in hepatocytes and myocardiocytes. In conclusion, the results obtained in this study indicate that, the extract of M. aeruginosa bloom is genotoxic to fish. The DNA damage observed in this study may be attributed to the activation of DNA endonucleases. This model of DNA damage may contribute for identifying novel molecular mechanisms of interest for therapeutic application.     

Gas–liquid chromatography for fenvalerate residue analysis: alterations in the ionic concentration and associated adinosine triphosphatases in fish,Cirrhinus mrigala (hamilton)

In the present study, an attempt has been made to quantify the fenvalerate accumulated in different tissues (gill, muscle and liver) and observe changes involved in the levels of sodium, potassium and calcium ions and Na⁺–K⁺, Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺ adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activities in the freshwater fish, Cirrhinus mrigala on short-term and long-term exposure to the median lethal and sublethal concentration of fenvalerate. Residue analysis using gas–liquid chromatography (GLC) technique revealed that fenvalerate accumulated in highest quantity in gill followed by liver and muscle under median lethal concentration (6?µg?L^?1). Whereas in sublethal concentration (0.6?µg?L^?1), muscle accumulated highest quantity followed by gill and liver, which might be due to the fact that fenvalerate is highly lyphophilic. The ion concentration and ATPase activity were found effected in fish exposed to lethal and sublethal concentrations of fenvalerate. Concentration of Na⁺, K⁺ and Ca²⁺ ions decreased in gill, muscle and liver on being exposed to median lethal concentration to a significant level. Whereas the changes were not highly pronounced at sub lethal level indicating low concentration of fenvalerate and its non-toxic effect at chronic exposure. Na⁺–K⁺, Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺ ATPases activity were also found decreased in correspondence to the ionic change under median lethal and sub lethal concentrations in target tissues. This might have lead to behavioural changes and create wide-spread disturbance in the normal physiology, ultimately causing the death of the fish. The results suggest that in biomonitoring programmes, ions and associated ATPases can be a good diagnostic tool for fenvalerate toxicity.     

Distribution of enzymes of glycolysis and gluconeogenesis in fish tissues

Gluconeogenesis in fishes has been demonstrated in whole animals and liver preparations. However, at present, the relative physiological importance of possible substrates such as lactate, pyruvate and amino-acids or the precise sites of gluconeogenesis are unclear. In mammals, gluconeogenesis takes place in the liver and kidney, and the same could occur in fishes although it has been proposed that fish red muscle is also capable of reconverting lactate (derived from white muscle) to glucose. In this present study, the activities of 3 key glycolytic (hexokinase, phosphofructokinase and pyruvate kinase) and 2 key gluconeogenic (fructose diphosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase) enzymes were investigated in tissues of the rainbow trout Salmo gairdneri, the cod Gadus morhua, and the plaice Pleuronectes platessa in order to elucidate the relative glycolytic/gluconeogenic capacities of the individual fish tissues. The glycolytic enzymes were found in all tissues, the relative potential being skeletal muscle>heart, brain >kidney, gills>liver. The gluconeogenic enzymes were not present in all tissues, and were mainly concentrated in the liver and kidney. Hence the results indicate that the liver, and to a lesser degree, the kidney are the major sites of gluconeogenesis in fishes, and that the process is unlikely to occur in skeletal muscle.     

Negative health effects in rats fed on sardine fishes

An adequate human diet should satisfy the requirements for energy and nutritive components including essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, essential amino acids, mineral components, vitamins, and fat. The benefits of the fish consumption are, however, often counteracted by toxic metals such as lead present in fish meat. Adverse effects of toxic metals on the aquatic environment and human health have aroused increasing interest in recent years. The achievement of an appropriate balance between the risks and benefits associated with fish consumption has therefore become a key health issue in current research. Therefore, we studied health impacts associated with the consumption of sardine fish, one of the most commonly consumed fish species throughout the world. Hepatic damages associated with the consumption of white or red muscle of sardine fish were explored and evaluated using a rat model. Rats were fed for 60 days with white or red sardine meat. Findings revealed (1) an elevated level of uric acid in the blood, (2) an accumulation of lead in the liver, (3) an atrophy of the liver, (4) an increase in plasma aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities, and (5) an oxidative stress in the liver, including increased levels of lipid peroxidation and enhanced activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. Several abnormalities were also observed in liver histology. The alterations observed in the animals can be attributed to both the accumulation of lead and the high levels of purine in the sardine meat. The findings show that special attention should be given to the health effects associated with high intakes of sardine meat, particularly dark-meat sardine.     

Comparison of heavy metal concentrations in fish samples from three fish farms (Eastern Mediterranean) utilizing antifouling paints

Although aquaculture is considered the fastest growing food production industry, nevertheless there is little information regarding pollutant levels in cultured fish. Samples of cultured sea bass – Dicentrarchus labrax (Linnaeus, 1758), sea bream – Sparus aurata (Linnaeus, 1758), and sharpsnout sea bream – Diplodus puntazzo (Walbaum, 1792) from three fish farms located in the Eastern Mediterranean which utilized antifouling paints on the nets were analyzed for quantitative determination of zinc (Zn), chrome (Cr), and copper (Cu) in the gills, the liver, and the muscle separately for each tissue and fish. The results show that the highest levels of zinc (up to 29.6 mg kg^?1 dry wt) were found in the gills of all samples of sea bream and sharpsnout sea bream while in the samples of sea bass, the highest levels of zinc and chrome were found in the liver (up to 39.3 and 13.8 mg kg^?1 dry wt, respectively). Insofar, as copper is concerned the highest exposure was found in the liver of sharpsnout sea bream (up to 5.49 mg kg^?1 dry wt). The results indicate that the use of antifouling paints in aquaculture practices are a significant source of chemical pollution in cultured fish and poses a risk to the exposed organisms.     

Changes in the content and fatty acid composition of lipid in an isolated population of the capelin Mallotus villosus during sexual maturation and spawning

Changes in the wet weights and lipid contents of muscle, liver and gonad were determined in male and female Mallotus villosus in Balsfjorden, northern Norway, in 1981, from January, when gonadal development becomes noticeable, until May when the fish are spawning. Fatty acid compositions of tissue lipids were also determined. Over 4 mo prior to spawning, the weight of muscle in female capelin decreased by 32% while the weight of the ovary increased exponentially by 830%. In males the weight of the muscle remained constant and that of the testis decreased slightly. The lipid contents of the muscle of both males and females decreased by 76% over the period and an inverse relationship existed between the water and lipid contents of muscle in both sexes. Male liver weight remained constant over the period of study whereas female liver weight increased transiently by 300% between January and March. 38% of the lipid lost from female muscle was accounted for by lipid deposited in ovary whereas negligible amounts of the lipid lost from male muscle was accounted for by lipid in the testis. Gonadal lipid was always richer in polyunsaturated fatty acids than muscle lipid and, immediately prior to spawning, 42% of the fatty acids in ovarian lipid were polyunsaturated. Muscle lipid of males and females showed a progressive increase in the percentage of the long-chain monoenes 20:1 and 22:1 between January and May. It is concluded that male capelin catabolise more of their muscle lipid reserves than females in the 4 mo prior to spawning and that most of the lipid catabolism in males is associated with physical activity. Conversely, females deposit much more of their muscle lipid in gonads than males, although considerable selectivity occurs in the mobilisation of fatty acids from muscle lipid into ovarian lipid. Additionally, biosynthesis of gonadal constituents accounts for a considerable proportion of the lipid catabolised in females.     

Trace metals in fish of economic interest from the west of Alexandria,Egypt

The concentration of some heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in the muscle, liver, and gills in eight fish species, Caranx crysos, Euthynnus alleferatus, Scomberomorus commerson, Sphyraena viridensis, Sargus sargus, Siganus rivulatus, Mugil species, and Sardinella aurita were collected seasonally from the Mediterranean Sea in the region of Alexandria. The highest concentrations of Cd, Cu, Fe, and Zn were measured in liver tissue, while gill tissue yielded the highest concentrations of Mn, Ni, and Pb. Muscle is the organ of poor accumulation factor for all metals under investigation. Concentration of cadmium in muscle in Mugil species exceeds the permissible limit in summer, while Siganus rivulatus exceeds it in the summer and autumn seasons. On the other hand, copper, nickel, lead, and zinc are still much lower than the permissible levels. The metal pollution index (MPI) for metals was studied, revealing that Siganus rivulatus, Mugil species and Sardinella aurita had the highest MPI. Provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI) indicates that the concentration levels of Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the muscle of all fish species under investigation are much lower than recommended PTDI values, and accordingly there is no risk for the human consumption of these fish species.     

Effect of cadmium individually and in combination with other metals on the nutritive value of fresh water fish,Channa punctatus

Impact of metal cadmium on the nutritive value of Channa punctatus on exposure to a sublethal concentration (1.12 mg/l) of cadmium (Cd2+) for 15 and 60 days has been studied. Among the various parameters selected, the level of moisture in liver and muscle was increased, while decrease was noted in the level of ash, total proteins and inorganic constituents like iron, calcium, inorganic phosphate, sodium and potassium in both liver and muscle in the two types of exposure. The total lipid level of liver increased, while muscle lipid level was decreased. On the other hand, calcium, iron, inorganic phosphate, sodium and potassium levels showed increase in blood. Zinc and selenium decreased the percentage alterations in all the parameters selected for study. In the two types of exposure, zinc was most effective to counteract the cadmium toxicity to fish as in almost all the parameters insignificant alterations were recorded. In combination studies, protection against cadmium toxicity by the two chemicals became more marked with increase in the tenure of exposure.     

A comparative study of the toxicity of lead and its impact on the carbohydrate metabolism and some haematological parameters of cichlid fish,oreochromis niloticus and catfish,clarius gariepinus from saudi arabia

Fresh and healthy specimens of Oreochromis niloticus (mean weight 70.5± 1.23 g and mean length, 12.3± 1.5cm) and Clarias gariepinus (mean weight, 41.8±2.3 g and mean length 13.78 ± 1.2 cm) were exposed to heavy metal lead, ranging in concentration from 10 to 18 mg L^‐1 for O. niloticus and 20 to 28 mg L^‐1 for C. gariepinus respectively. The 96 h LC₅₀ for both the species was computed as 12.45 mg L^‐1 (O. niloticus) and 22.65 mg L^‐1 (C. gariepinus). The cichlid fish was exposed to sublethal concentration of lead (2, 4 and 6 mgL^‐1) and catfish (4, 8 and 12 mgL^‐1). The erythrocytes count, haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit and the value of serum glucose increased significantly (P < 0.01), whereas leucocytes count, serum protein and serum triglyceride after intoxication declined in both the species with the same pattern but in different quantity. After 96 h of time a significant depletion of muscle and liver glycogen was noted, being greater in muscle (16.7% in O. niloticus) and in liver (15.9% in C. gariepinus). The response of fish to lead was dose dependent.