Physiological and histopathological responses of carp, Cyprinus carpio to sublethal levels of lead

ABSTRACT

Physiological and histopathological changes in carp, Cyprinus carpio after exposure to sublethal levels of lead for 96 hr. have been investigated. The median lethal concentration of lead was 2.940 mg/L. The descending order of lead accumulation after exposure of carp to 0.48, 1.68, 2.52mg/L lead for 96hr. was the kidney, gills, brain, liver and flesh. An increase in plasma glucose levels and average hemoglobin content of individual red cells were observed in this study, while plasma aspartate aminotransferase decreased. Plasma sodium ions showed slight but significant changes. Histological studies revealed extensive damage had occurred in the gills, liver and kidneys. On the other hand, fish exposed to 105.0, 210.0mg/L lead exhibited a significant disturbances in fish swimming performance and electrocardiograms