Histopathological and biochemical effects of cyanobacterial cells containing microcystin-LR on Tilapia fish

Blooms of Microcystis aeruginosa, commonly observed in many lakes of Tamil Nadu, produce the cyanobacterial toxin Microcystin, which has tumor promoting property in fish. Strains of Microcystis aeruginosa species have the same morphology but may vary in their toxicity. In the present study, Microcystin produced by Microcystis aeruginosa from Thenneri lake in Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu, was isolated and characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography and electron spray ionization mass spectroscopy. Based on spectroscopic results the toxin was identified as Microcystin-LR. Toxicogenicity was evident from the alteration in the activity of antioxidant enzymes [Glutathione S-transferase and Catalase] and increase of protein and lipid peroxidation contents in Oreochromis niloticus, a fresh water fish species, after controlled exposure to Microcystis aeruginosa cells. Toxicity was further confirmed by histopathological changes in gill, liver and intestine of exposed fish.