Hepatotoxic effects of CCl4 on English sole (Parophrys vetulus): possible indicators of liver dysfunction

Selected serum parameters (enzyme activities and triglycerides) and liver glutathione and vitamin C concentrations were measured in English sole (Parophrys vetulus) after i.p. injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), a hepatotoxin in fish. Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (AP) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) activities and the concentration of triglycerides increased in a dose-dependent manner 24 hr post injection. Concentrations of glutathione (reduced and oxidized) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in liver did not change in response to CCl4 toxicity 24 hr post injection. These studies indicate that serum AP activity and triglyceride concentrations can be useful in assessing the effects of CCl4-induced liver toxicity in this species of marine fish. Serum LDH and GDH activity should be used with some caution in assessing liver damage in English sole, as other tissues represent more likely sources for serum activity. The levels of liver antioxidants do not appear to be significantly affected, 24 hr post injection, by this particular hepatotoxin.