Spine Anomalies and Vertebral Phenotypes in the Underyearlings of Roach Rutilus rutilus (Cyprinidae) after Separate and Combined Exposure to a Magnetic Field and Metrifonate on Embryos

Abstract

Anomalies in the spine structure and vertebral phenotypes were studied in 4-month-old underyearlings of the roach Rutilus rutilus (Linnaeus, 1758) after combined or separate exposure of embryos to a magnetic field (frequency 500 Hz, induction 150 μT) and metrifonate (concentration 0.01 mg/L) for 48 h from fertilization to the onset of organogenesis in comparison with control (no treatment). The most common developmental disorders of the spine in all groups are open neural or haemal arches, as well as deformities and fusions of the vertebra bodies. An increase in the total number of vertebrae and their number in the trunk section of the spine were noted in fish with vertebra fusions. Juveniles under treatments differed from those in control by a greater number of spinal anomalies, as well as by the frequency of occurrence of specific vertebral phenotypes. The magnetic field had the greatest effect.