Effects of lindane on fish carbohydrate metabolism

Exposure of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) to a high sublethal concentration of 0.335 ppm (0.50 of the 96-hr LC50) of lindane for 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hr affected carbohydrate metabolism. Muscle glycogen levels decreased significantly (P less than 0.05) at 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hr; liver glycogen content did not decline at any time. Muscle glucose levels in fish were elevated at 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hr but in liver, the levels increased only at 96 hr. Mean values of muscle and liver pyruvate were elevated significantly (P less than 0.05) at 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hr. Muscle lactate levels increased at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hr in pesticide-treated fish. Liver lactate levels were elevated only at 12, 24, and 48 hr of treatment. The observed effects of lindane on carbohydrate metabolism in fish are discussed in relation to acute stress syndrome. Measurement of carbohydrate metabolites in fish for 6 hr or longer could prove useful as a rapid method for evaluating the toxicity of pesticides and other toxicants.