Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) have wide applications in the medical field; however, the toxicological effects are still poorly studied. The study was aimed to determine the effects of 15.78 nm spherical and amine-coated Ag-NPs on hematology and histology of gills and liver tissues in 28 days treated Labeo rohita (L. rohita). It was found that Ag-NPs induced alterations in the hematological parameters in a dose dependent manner. The Ag-NPs also induced histological alterations in a dose-dependent manner. In gill tissues, it induced fusion of secondary lamellae, separation of gill epithelium, fusion and necrosis of lamellar cells, hyperplasia, deformed cartilaginous skeleton, separation and lifting of epithelium, and curling of lamellae in a dose dependent manner. In the liver, Ag-NPs produced abnormalities in hepatic tissues by reducing the size of hepatocytes and nuclei, and stimulated the production of necrotic and apoptotic bodies. It was concluded that Ag-NPs are toxic to aquatic organisms and induce hematotoxicity and histopathological conditions in exposed fish.
Keywords: Ag-NPs; Amine; Hematology; Histopathology; Labeo rohita.