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Naphthalene-induced differential tissue damage association with circulating fish phagocyte induction
Iqbal Ahmad1, M Pacheco, M A Santos
1Animal Physiology/Ecotoxicology Sector, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
|January 28, 2003
Summary
Naphthalene exposure initially increased fish phagocyte counts and activity, leading to tissue damage. Long-term exposure decreased phagocyte activity but increased peroxidative damage, suggesting a potential biomarker for aquatic pollutant monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Aquatic toxicology
- Fish immunology
Background:
- Naphthalene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon pollutant found in aquatic environments.
- Exposure to pollutants can impact fish immune systems, affecting phagocyte function.
- Understanding cellular responses in fish is crucial for assessing environmental health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of sublethal naphthalene concentrations on phagocyte activity and tissue damage in Anguilla anguilla L.
- To evaluate the correlation between phagocyte respiratory burst activity (RBA) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) as indicators of naphthalene toxicity.
- To determine the potential of phagocyte responses as biomarkers for aquatic pollutant exposure.
Main Methods:
- Fish (Anguilla anguilla L.) were exposed to varying concentrations of naphthalene (0.1–2.7 microM) for different durations (8–72 h).
- Phagocyte total cell count (TCCPH) and respiratory burst activity (RBA) were measured in gill, head kidney, and peritoneum.
- Lipid peroxidation (LPO) was assessed in gill, kidney, and liver tissues using thiobarbituric acid reaction substance assay.
Main Results:
- Short-term naphthalene exposure (8–16 h) significantly increased TCCPH and RBA, correlating with increased LPO in gills and kidneys.
- Long-term exposure (24–72 h) led to decreased TCCPH and RBA, but sustained or increased LPO, particularly in gills and kidneys.
- Liver LPO was unaffected by short-term exposure but significantly increased after long-term exposure.
Conclusions:
- Naphthalene exposure induces distinct patterns of phagocyte activation and peroxidative damage in fish tissues.
- Phagocyte-induced reactive oxygen species and associated peroxidative damage can serve as useful biomarkers for monitoring aquatic pollutant exposure.
- Tissue-specific responses and exposure routes may influence the observed effects on fish phagocytes.