THE EFFECTS OF MICROCYSTINS ON THE SERUM BIOCHEMISTRY OF CARP, CYPRINUS-CARPIO L, WHEN THE TOXINS ARE ADMINISTERED BY GAVAGE, IMMERSION ANDINTRAPERITONEAL ROUTES

Microcystins were administered to carp, Cyprinus carpio L., by intrape ritoneal injection. Tests performed on the serum indicated liver and g ill damage, and disturbances in hepatic and osmoregulatory functions. Exposure of carp to microcystins by gavage and immersion caused change s indicating mild liver damage and changes in the equilibrium of catio n-anion balance in some treatments. The results of gavage and immersio n exposure indicate that acute toxicity is unlikely to occur in wild c arp populations, but chronic poisoning may follow repeated sublethal e xposure. A serum biochemical profile comprising alanine amino transfer ase, aspartate amino transferase, bile acids, bilirubin, sodium and ch loride determinations may provide a useful diagnostic indication of mi crocystin poisoning in wild carp populations.