The aim of this study was to examine change in lipid and protein oxidation biomarkers, transamination enzymes and lactate dehydrogenase activities, lactate and pyruvate levels in liver and heart tissue of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum) that was exposed to formalin baths. Increase of 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and carbonyl derivatives of protein oxidative destruction was noticed only in cardiac tissue of formalin-exposed fish. Activity of lactate dehydrogenase and lactate level in the cardiac tissue were elevated, indicating active glycolysis. Effects of formalin disinfection were different in both tissues. Aldehydic and ketonic derivatives of oxidatively modified proteins in liver were consistently reduced upon exposure to the formalin. In support of this, decrease in alanine and aspartate aminotransferases was noticed. Formalin disinfection of rainbow trout results in metabolic plasticity, predominantly in liver with decreased levels of oxidative stress biomarkers and aminotransferases activity. Formalin-induced oxidative stress in the cardiac tissue was more considerable.
Keywords: Aminotransferases; Disinfection; Formalin; Glycolytic potential; Oxidative stress; Rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss.