Changes in hematological parameters, and copper and iron concentrations in tissues of prussian carp during depuration period after the previous exposure to copper in water

Abstract

The purpose of the present paper was to investigate the process of copper elimination and iron concentration variations in the body of Prussian carp after short-term exposure (2.5 or 5 hours) to a sublethal concentration of this metal in water, and to identify the hematological changes occurring in peripheral blood during exposure and depuration. Prussian carps (Carassius gibelio Bloch, 1782) were exposed to 2 mg Cu L-1 for 2.5 or 5 hours. During the 336 hours of depuration period, a concentration of red blood cells RBC, white blood cells WBC and hematocrit, as well as Cu and Fe concentration in gills, liver, muscle and kidney were determined. Significant decrease in WBC and RBC after the exposure cessation was observed and the increase in hematocrit value. Cu concentration in studied tissues of Prussian carp was the highest after the exposure cessation, and then was decreasing during the recovery period, reaching control values, except the kidney where the Cu level remained significantly increased till the end of the observation. Even a relatively short exposure to Cu is reflected in a change in normal morphological parameters and microelement metabolism in the tissue, and its effects can be observed for as long as 2 weeks following the end of exposure. Potentially, this means that any shortening of acute exposure may contribute to quicker restoration of homeostasis during depuration with regard to the blood parameters and microelement levels studied.