Developmental and mitochondrial toxicity assessment of perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

The potential toxicity of several perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) to aquatic species are not well understood. Here, we assessed the sub-lethal toxicity potential of perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) to developing zebrafish. PFHpA was not acutely toxic to fish up to 50 mu M and there was > 96% survival in all treatments. Exposure to 200 mu M PFHpA decreased ATP-linked respiration of embryos. There was no evidence for ROS induction in 7-day-old larvae fish exposed to 0.1 mu M or 1 mu M PFHpA. Twenty-four transcripts related to mitochondrial complexes I through V were measured and atp06, cox4i1, and cyc1 levels were decreased in larval zebrafish in a concentration-dependent manner by PFHpA exposure. Locomotor activity was reduced in fish exposed to 0.1 mu M PFHpA based on a visual motor response test. Anxiolytic-type behaviors were not affected by PFHpA. This study contributes to environmental risk assessments for perfluorinated chemicals.