Uptake, distribution, and effects of carbon tetrachloride in rainbow trout ( Salmo gairdneri)

Abstract

Uptake, distribution, and effects of CCl 4 were studied in rainbow trout. Carbon tetrachloride (1 ml/kg, ip) produced 5- to 10-fold increases in serum GOT, GPT, and ICD activities, whereas exposure of trout to CCl 4 in the tank water (1–80 mg/liter) produced neither mortality nor significant changes in enzyme activities. CCl 4 residue(s) appeared highest in concentration in the adipose tissue, followed by liver, brain, and spleen, and was lowest in gill regardless of the administration route. The elimination rates of 14C residue(s) from the tissue samples were most rapid in muscle ( t 1 2 β = 1.7 hr ) and relatively prolonged for liver ( t 1 2 β = 38.9 hr ). Maximum liver concentrations of 14C residue(s) were reached at 2 hr by either ip (1 ml/kg) or water exposure (80 mg/liter) and were 4.8 μmol/g and 0.75 μmol/g, respectively. No increase in liver triglyceride (TG) concentrations were noted at liver CCl 4 concentrations that have been associated with increased TG levels in the rat. Histological examination of tissues revealed varying degrees of liver and splenic necrosis 6 hr after administration of CCl 4.