Effects of subchronic metribuzin exposure on common carp (Cyprinus carpio).

OBJECTIVES: Effects of metribuzin on biochemical and haematological indices, induction of specific biomarkers and impacts on biometric parameters of Cyprinus carpio were investigated for subchronic conditions. METHODS: Juvenile fish were exposed to 0.175 mg.L -1 or 1.75 mg.L -1 metribuzin for 28 days. Haematological indices were assessed using unified methods of haematological examination in fish. Biochemical indices were determined by biochemical analyzer, hepatic vitellogenin content was estimated by direct sandwich ELISA. Cytochrome P450 concentration and ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase activity were measured in liver spectrophotometrically and spectrofluorimetrically, respectively. RESULTS: Increased haematocrit and RBC count were found in fish exposed to 1.75 mg.L- 1 metribuzin compared to control fish (p<0.05). Other indices contents and biomarkers levels were not significantly changed by either concentration of metribuzin. CONCLUSION: Sublethal metribuzin pollution may have adverse impacts on haematological parameters in common carp.