Physiological stress responses of Anguilla anguilla to fenitrothion

The present communication deals with the effect of fenitrothion (0.04 ppm) on the carbohydrate metabolism of the european eel Anguilla anguilla and its recovery from intoxication. Analysis of various parameters such as glycogen, lactate and glucose was made on different eel tissues after 2, 8, 12, 24, 32, 48, 56, 72 and 96 hr of fenitrothion exposure. Subsequently, the fish were allowed recovery periods of 8, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, 144 and 192 hr in clean water, and the same parameters were evaluated. Muscle glycogen content decreased significantly during the exposure time, while blood glucose levels increased markedly. Gill, muscle and blood lactate values increased during pesticide exposure. Most of the metabolic disorders did not persist after allowing recovery in clean water during less than a week. The observed effects of fenitrothion on fish metabolism are discussed in relation to a stress syndrome and probable reasons for alterations have been exposed.