Toxicity, biochemical effects and residue of aflatoxin B(1) in marine water-reared sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.).
Aflatoxicosis and resulting epizootic hepatoma have been reported among a wide range of fish where Aspergillus species-contaminated foodstuffs are incorporated into the diet. Aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)) is among the most potent known hepatotoxins and carcinogens. Therefore, it is an important potential toxicant to the most of the popularly cultured fish species. The present study was undertaken to assess the susceptibility and toxicity of AFB(1) to sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.), by behavioral and biochemical evaluations. The estimated oral acute median lethal concentration (96 h LC(50)) of AFB(1) for sea bass was 0.18 mg/kg bwt. The abnormal behavioral responses and signs of toxicity were described. The prolonged oral administration of 0.018 mg/kg bwt AFB(1) to sea bass for 42 successive days induced a significant increase in serum transaminases and alkaline phosphatase activities, and significant decrease in plasma proteins. Residual AFB(1) was detected at high levels ( approximately 5 ppb) in fish musculature at the end of the experimental period. We conclude that marine water sea bass is a species highly sensitive to AFB(1). In addition, consumption of sea bass reared on AFB(1)-contaminated diet could have a negative health impact on human health.
Department of Veterinary Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Edfina, Rossetta-line, Behera Province 22758, Egypt. yasser_tf@yahoo.com
Yasser Said
YS
El-Sayed
Riad Hassan
RH
Khalil
D016604:Aflatoxin B1 / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*; D000818:Animals; D017756:Aquaculture; D001492:Bass / Q000502:physiology*; D004798:Enzymes / Q000097:blood; D007928:Lethal Dose 50; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008460:Meat / Q000032:analysis; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000737:chemistry
D004798:Enzymes; D016604:Aflatoxin B1