Herbicide Formulation with Glyphosate Affects Growth, Acetylcholinesterase Activity, and Metabolic and Hematological Parameters in Piava (Leporinus obtusidens)

Joseânia Salbego, Alexandra Pretto, Carolina Rosa Gioda, Charlene Cavalheiro de Menezes, Rafael Lazzari, João Radünz Neto, Bernardo Baldisserotto, Vania Lucia Loro

The teleost fish Leporinus obtusidens (piava) was exposed to different concentrations of Roundup, a commercial herbicide formulation containing glyphosate (0, 1, or 5 mg L(-1)), for 90 days. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was verified in brain and muscle. Hepatic and muscular metabolic parameters as well as some hematological parameters were determined. The results showed that brain AChE activity was significantly decreased in fish exposed to 5 mg L(-1) Roundup, whereas muscular AChE activity was not altered. Both Roundup concentrations significantly decreased liver glycogen without altering the muscle glycogen content. Hepatic glucose levels were reduced only in fish exposed to 5 mg L(-1) Roundup. Lactate levels in the liver and muscle significantly increased in fish exposed to both Roundup concentrations. Hepatic protein content remained constant at 1 mg L(-1) but increased at 5 mg L(-1) Roundup. In the muscle however, protein content decreased with increasing exposure concentration. The herbicide exposure produced a decrease in hematological parameters at both concentrations tested. The majority of observed effects occur at environmental relevant concentrations, and in summary, the results show that Roundup affects brain AChE activity as well as metabolic and hematologic parameters of piavas. Thus, we can suggest that long-term exposure to Roundup causes metabolic disruption in Leporinus obtusidens.