Hematological parameters in tench Tinca tinca after short term exposure to lead

Alterations in the hematological parameters of Tinca tinca were studied after exposure to lead at different concentrations and durations of exposure. Dose of 75/24 (ppm/h) did not cause significant change in any blood parameter. The 300/48 dose caused a significant increase in hematocrit (Hct), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and a significant decrease in red blood cell (RBC) count and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). The 30/24 dose caused a significant increase in Hct and RBC count only. The 30/96 dose caused a significant increase in Hct and a significant decrease in MCHC only. The 30/504 dose caused a significant decrease in RBC count and a significant increase in MCV and MCH. The 75/96 dose caused a significant increase in Hct and a significant decrease in MCH and MCHC. The 75/504 dose caused a significant decrease in Hct, hemoglobin (Hb) and RBC count, and a significant increase in MCV and MCH. These alterations were attributed to direct or feedback responses of structural damage to RBC membranes resulting in hemolysis and impairment in hemoglobin synthesis, stress related release of RBCs from the spleen and hypoxia, induced by exposure to lead.