Aluminum-induced oxidative stress and neurotoxicity in grass carp (Cyprinidae--Ctenopharingodon idella).

Aluminum is used in a large number of anthropogenic processes, leading to aquatic ecosystems pollution. Diverse studies show that in mammals this metal may produce oxidative stress, is neurotoxic, and is involved in the development of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzhaimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Nevertheless, there are only few studies with respect to Al-induced neurotoxicity on aquatic fauna, particularly on fishes of economical interest, such as the grass carp (Ctenopharingodon idella). This study evaluates Al-induced toxicity on the grass carp C. idella. Specimens were exposed to the maximum concentration allowed in order to protect aquatic life (0.1 mg L⁻¹), for 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. After the exposure time, lipid peroxidation degree, superoxide dismutase and catalase activity, as well as dopamine, adrenaline and noradrenaline levels were evaluated. Al concentration in organisms and water was also measured, in order to determine the bioconcentration factor. Results show that Al bioconcentrates in grass carp inducing oxidative stress (increment of 300 and 455 percent on lipid peroxidation degree and SOD activity, and decrement of 49 percent on CAT activity) and neurotoxicity (increment of 55 and 155 percent on dopamine and adrenaline levels and decrement of 93 percent on noradrenaline level).

Aluminum-induced oxidative stress in lymphocytes of common carp (Cyprinus carpio).

Several studies of fish have shown that aluminum may induce hypoxia, hypercapnia, metabolic acidosis, and respiratory failure. In lymphocytes, morphologic abnormalities and reduced immune activity have been observed. Nevertheless, there is little data on oxidative stress and such data are essential in order to identify its mechanism of action. The common carp Cyprinus carpio, an omnivorous fish commonly used in commercial aquaculture, has been proposed as a test organism in toxicologic assays due to its economic importance and wide geographic distribution. The aim of this work was to evaluate Al-induced oxidative stress in lymphocytes of the common carp C. carpio. Specimens were exposed to three different concentrations of Al (0.05, 120, and 239 mg/l) in a static exposure system for 96 h. At the end of the exposure period, blood was collected and lymphocytes were separated. Lipid peroxidation, oxidized protein content and the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase were measured. Results show that the tested Al concentrations modified the activity of antioxidant enzymes and elicited higher levels of lipid peroxidation and oxidized proteins. The degree of damage induced was concentration and tissue dependent.