The Effects of Copper and Cadmium Exposure on Biochemical Factors of Plasma and Liver in Beluga Sturgeon, Huso huso (Linnaeus, 1758)

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Abstract

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of single sub-lethal copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd) exposure on biochemical factors of plasma and liver in juveniles beluga sturgeon, Huso huso. A total of 54 fish (weight: 55.4±6.8 g; age: +4 months) were exposed to 20 and 300 µg/l of Cu and Cd in semi-static conditions for 14 days on June (2008), respectively. Then, the effects of these sub-lethal metal concentrations on selected biochemical factors were assessed during 14 days. Results showed that there were no significant differences in plasma glucose, total protein, triglyceride as well as liver protein levels among groups on day 14. Also, metal exposure had significant effects on plasma triiodothyroxine (T3) but not on thyroxine (T4) levels. In contrast, plasma cortisol levels increased significantly compared to the controls only in Cu exposure. No significant differences were observed in liver catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities between experimental groups and controls, but there was significant difference in SOD activities between two metal treatments. This study demonstrated that sub-lethal doses of Cu and Cd were effective on beluga sturgeon. Moreover, it showed that hormonal changes were appropriate biomarkers for Cu exposure in fresh water in beluga sturgeon.

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Journal of Fisheries
Volume 65, Issue 3 - Serial Number 3
October 2012
Pages 271-282

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