Effect of different metals on oxidative state and mitochondrial membrane potential in trout erythrocytes

•Cu influences viability, ROS production in trout RBC.•Al and Zn show no significant effects despite high concentrations used.•Cu prooxidant effect is linked to mitochondrial depolarization and MetHb formation.

Homeostasis of metal ions is critical for life and excessive exposure can promote cellular damage that could be due to oxidative damage. In this context we evaluated the effects of three different elements (copper, zinc and aluminum) on oxidative stress and mitochondrial functionality in nucleated trout erythrocytes (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Flowcytometric measurements using MitoProbe and DCFDA-H2 as fluorescent probes, indicated that redox active copper was able to influence all the biological parameters considered while redox inert, zinc and aluminum, show no significant effects. Toxicity of Al and Zn represent a debated argument and their ability to interact with other endogenous metal ions/metal binding proteins could play a role modulating their cellular toxicity.