Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Tributyltin (TBT) on brain function and neurotoxicity of freshwater teleost. The effects of long-term exposure to TBT on antioxidant related indices (MDA, malondialdehyde; SOD, superoxide dismutase; CAT, catalase; GR, glutathione reductase; GPx, glutathione peroxidase), Na+-K+-ATPase and neurological parameters (AChE, acetylcholinesterase; MAO, monoamine oxidase; NO, nitric oxide) in the brain of common carp were evaluated. Fish were exposed to sublethal concentrations of TBT (75 ng/L, 0.75 μg/L and 7.5 μg/L) for 15, 30, and 60 days. Based on the results, a low level and short-term TBT-induced stress could not induce the notable responses of the fish brain, but long-term exposure (more than 15 days) to TBT could lead to obvious physiological-biochemical responses (based on the measured parameters). The results also strongly indicated that neurotoxicity of TBT to fish. Thus, the measured physiological responses in fish brain could provide useful information to better understand the mechanisms of TBT-induced bio-toxicity.
Highlights
Tributyltin (TBT) is an organotin compound used primarily in anti-fouling paint applied on ships, boats and fishing nets [1]
The final manifestation of a multi-step pathway, results in an imbalance between pro-oxidant and antioxidant defense mechanisms due to the depletion of antioxidants, or the excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), or both, which leads to damage [31]
It has been demonstrated that exposure to contaminants including TBT could produce ROS which cause various organ lesions [32,33,34]
Summary
Tributyltin (TBT) is an organotin compound used primarily in anti-fouling paint applied on ships, boats and fishing nets [1]. As an endocrine disrupting chemical that causes severe reproductive effects in aquatic organisms, the use of TBT has been banned in most countries [2]. Based on the available data, the levels of TBT in aquatic environments of China range from below 0.5 ng/L (the detection limit) to hundreds of ng/L, as Tin [3]. Many literatures on the effects of TBT in biota has focused on reproductive toxicity. It has been demonstrated that TBT can induce imposex in female mollusks [4]. It has been reported that TBT can affect sexual behaviour and reproduction [5], change the estrogen/androgen levels and inhibit gonad development [6].
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