Cypermethrin-based formulation Barrage® induces histological changes in gills of the Pantanal endemic shrimp Macrobrachium pantanalense

Abstract

Pantanal shrimp Macrobrachium pantanalense was exposed for 96 h to the cypermethrin-based formulation Barrage®. Population-relevant endpoints (survival, swimming behavior) as well as histopathology of gills were analyzed. A 96 h-LC50 of 0.93 μg/L of cypermethrin was calculated while equilibrium disturbances were observed at 1.25 μg/L. Histological examination showed predominantly regressive changes in the gills of shrimp exposed to concentrations of 0.25 and 1.25 μg/L. Three levels of lesions were observed in the gills: I- Intercellular edema, epithelial lifting of the lamellae and lamellar fusion, fat vacuoles and hypertrophy of gill epithelial cells or mucous cells; II- nuclear changes, atrophy (reduction of volume and number) and hyperplasia of gill epithelia and III- necrosis. This study shows the high sensitivity of the shrimp M. pantanalense to the pesticide Barrage® highlighting the importance of monitoring agrochemicals residues in the Pantanal region (Brazil) and conduct risk evaluation studies to prevent deleterious effects on the aquatic communities of Pantanal.