Metabolic and histological parameters of silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) exposed to commercial formulation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxiacetic acid (2,4-D) herbicide

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of commercial formulation of herbicide 2,4-D on metabolic parameters, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and liver histological evaluation of silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) exposed for 96 h. AChE activity increased in brain (600 and 700 mg L−1) and decreased in all concentrations tested in muscle tissue. Hepatic glycogen was reduced after 2,4-D exposure ranging from 47.67% (400 mg L−1) until 59.3% (700 mg L−1). Hepatic tissue showed lactate reduction at all 2,4-D concentrations tested and glucose was reduced only at 700 mg L−1. In the highest concentration tested hepatic glycogen and glucose reduced instead plasma glucose levels increased. White muscle tissue showed glycogen reduction in fingerlings exposed to all herbicide concentrations and glucose reduction at 700 mg L−1. Muscle lactate levels increase at all 2,4-D concentrations tested. Vacuolation of hepatocytes and changes in its arrangement cords were observed by histologic analysis in group treated with 700 mg/L of 2,4-D. These results suggest that silver catfish exposed to concentrations of 2,4-D near of CL50 showed metabolic and histological response to compensate some stress caused by herbicide exposure. Taken together parameters measured can be used as biomarkers to monitor herbicide contaminated water.