Influence of zearalenone on selected biochemical parameters in juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Pol J Vet Sci. 2012;15(2):221-5. doi: 10.2478/v10181-011-0137-1.

Abstract

Zearalenone (ZEA) is a mycoestrogen frequently found in food and animal feed materials all over the world. Despite its hydrophobic character, ZEA is also found in surface and ground waters which suggests an environmental risk for aquatic animals. Knowledge concerning mycotoxin-related mechanisms of toxicity is still incomplete, e.g. little is known about the influence of ZEA exposure on fish. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ZEA on selected biochemical parameters in juvenile rainbow trout after 24, 72, and 168 h of intraperitoneal exposure (10 mg/kg of body weight). The analysis showed a slight tendency towards prolonged blood clotting time and significant iron deficiency in the liver and ovary of exposed animals. However, no differences in aminotransferase (AlaAT, AspAT) activity or glucose levels in fish plasma was observed. The results of this study suggest that although trout exposed to ZEA did not exhibit any distinct symptoms of liver damage, the mycotoxin tested was able interfere with blood coagulation and iron-storage processes.

Publication types

  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animal Feed / analysis
  • Animals
  • Blood Coagulation / drug effects
  • Diet / veterinary
  • Female
  • Fish Diseases / blood
  • Fish Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Food Contamination / analysis*
  • Iron / metabolism*
  • Liver / drug effects
  • Liver / enzymology
  • Oncorhynchus mykiss / blood*
  • Ovary / drug effects
  • Ovary / enzymology
  • Zearalenone / chemistry
  • Zearalenone / toxicity*

Substances

  • Zearalenone
  • Iron