Effects of cadmium on the electrocardiogram of the EEl, anguilla anguilla L

ABSTRACT

The effects of exposure to 5.0 mg/l Cd for 24 hours on the bioelectrical activity of the eel heart were studied. Fish exhibited a negative chronotropic effect and increase in the waves amplitude after Cd-treatment. These changes are found to be identical to the effects of hypoxia which point to a similar mechanism of toxicity. On the other hand, Cd-treatment induced lesions and disturbances in the eel heart muscle. The most important diagnostic features of the electrocardiogram changes are myocardial infarction, disturbances in the ionic equilibrium and low nodal rhythm. It was suggested that changes in the bioelectrical activity may be caused by gill impairment as toxic response to cadmium