Role of fumonisin B1 on the immune system, histopathology, and muscle proteins of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

White shrimps, Litopenaeus vannamei, were tested in two indoor trials to determine the effect of fumonisin B1 on (i) immune response, (ii) histopathology, and, (iii) muscle proteins. Trial 1: (0, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0 μg/g of FB1 levels, 18-day duration; shrimp 5–6 g) to evaluate the FB1 effect on the immune system and histopathology response. Trial 2: (0.0, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0 μg/g of FB1 levels, 16-day duration; shrimp 5–6 g) to detect FB1 effect on muscle proteins. Prophenoloxidase activity was affected by all FB1 concentrations tested. Both, total haemocyte count and phenoloxidase activity decreased by the 18th day in shrimp exposed to FB1. Marked histological changes in the hepatopancreas of shrimp fed on diet containing FB1, at the all FB1 levels tested, as well as a necrotic tissue were observed. Changes in both, electrophoretic patterns and thermodynamic properties of myosin extracted from shrimp exposed to FB1 were also observed.