Effect of sub-lethal concentrations of lead on hematological and biochemical indices in common carp, Cyprinus carpio

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the toxicological effects of lead on hematological and biochemical indices of common carp. For this purpose, 90 fish were exposed to two sub-lethal levels (1.3 mg/l and 2.6 mg/l) for 21 days. Then, the blood samples were taken to measure the cortisol, cholesterol, triglyceride, red blood cells, white blood cells, hematocrit, and hemoglobin. The amount of cortisol and total white blood cells in the group exposed to 2.6 mg/l of lead were 12.03±2.30 μg/dl and 23.10±0.25×103/ mm3, respectively, which were significantly decreased compared to the control group. Compared to the control group, cholesterol and triglyceride levels were significantly higher in the group exposed to 1.3 mg/l, (178.50±3.17 mg/dl and 341.38±5.87 mg/dl, respectively). A decrease in the values of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cells indicates anemia in the exposed fish.