Biochemical and haematological changes in tilapia nilotica [oreochromis] exposed to copper

The effect of exposure to sublethal concentration of copper sulfate for three weeks was studied in Tilapia nilotica fish. Marked elevations were recorded in the activities of serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase [GPT], glutamic oxalacetic transaminase [GOT], lactate dehydrogenase total protein was increased with hyperglycemia, while cholesterol level was reduced. Copper induced polycythemia accompanied by blood hemoglobin [Hb] level, hematocrit [Hct] value and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration [MCHC]. In addition, leucopenia, lymphopenia and neutrophilia were observed. It was concluded that copper produces tissue damage, metabolic stress and malfunctions of the hematopoietic system in Tilapia nilotica