Antimony accumulation in zebrafish (Danio rerio) and its effect on genotoxicity, histopathology, and ultrastructure

Antimony (Sb) is a toxic metal in aquatic ecosystems. In this study, the accumulation of aqueous Sb in the liver, brain, gills and muscle of zebrafish (Danio rerio) and its effect on genotoxicity, histopathology and ultrastructure alterations were evaluated. The fishes were exposed to different concentrations (0, 8.29, 16.58, 33.16 mg L-1) of aqueous Sb for 18 days. The results showed that the order of Sb accumulation in different tissues was liver > gill > muscle > brain, and the accumulation increased with increasing Sb stress concentration. The mRNA expression levels of Nrf2, Cu/Zn-SOD, Mn-SOD, CAT and GPx genes showed different trends. In addition, significant histopathology and ultrastructure alterations were observed in the liver and gills exposed to Sb. Sb could accumulate in different tissues of zebrafish, inducing the expression of oxidative stress genes and activating antioxidant defense systems. Histological and ultrastructural changes could be used as valid biomarkers for the assessment of aqueous Sb contamination.