Effects of diazinon on biochemical parameters of blood in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Existence of diazinon, an organophosphorous pesticide, in river waters of Iran near rice paddy fields has been reported by some authors. The present research aimed to determine the acute toxicity and evaluate the effect of sub-lethal concentrations of diazinon on some biochemical parameters of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss after 7, 14 and 28 days. No significant differences were observed in the plasma levels of creatinine among the treatment groups at different sampling intervals. Acetylcholinesterase activity and the levels of total protein, albumin as well as globulin in plasma were significantly reduced at both concentrations tested (p < 0.05). Lactate dehydrogenase activity was only decreased on 7th day in 0.1 mg/L diazinon treatment (p < 0.05). Creatine kinase activity was significantly lower in 0.1 mg/L diazinon group at 14th and 28th sampling periods, whereas its activity significantly increased in fishes exposed to 0.2 mf/L diazinon only on 7th day (p < 0.05). Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase activities and glucose levels in diazinon treated groups were significantly higher than the controlled group at experimental periods (p < 0.05). In conclusion, long-term exposure to diazinon at sub-lethal concentrations induced biochemical alterations in rainbow trout, and offers a simply tool to evaluate toxicity-derived alterations.

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► Diazinon induces moderate toxicity in rainbow trout.
► Sub-lethal concentrations of diazinon reduce plasma acetylcholinesterase activity.
► Sub-lethal concentrations of diazinon alter serum enzyme activities.