Abstract
The exposure of blue gouramis to 9 ppb of methylmercury, copper, or methylmercury + copper resulted in an apparent decrease in the immune response of these fish to both infectious pancreatic necrosis (IPN) virus andProteus vulgaris. The two toxicants jointly, however, produced no greater or lesser effect than when each compound was applied singly.
In recent years much work has been concerned with the determination of various contaminants in the environment and in the establishment of the tolerance limits for these compounds. The heavy metals are some of the most toxic compounds to aquatic organisms, and of these, mercury and copper are among the most toxic. Recent studies (Roales and Perlmutter 1974) have established the median tolerance limit (Tlm) for methylmercury and copper to the blue gourami (Trichogaster trichopterus), and indicate that the two toxicants might interact antagonistically.
The immune response of fishes has been the subject of much study (Smithet al. 1966, Snieszko 1970). Recently, the immune response of the blue gourami to viral (Yuet al. 1969 and 1970, Perlmutteret al. 1973) and bacterial (Roales and Perlmutter 1975) antigens has been studied.
Mount (1968) determined that 3 to 7% of the 96-hr Tlm was the safe limit for fathead minnows exposed to copper. Rachlin and Perlmutter (1968) demonstrated that 10% of the 96-hr Tlm was the safest concentration for fathead minnows exposed to zinc. Although these levels are considered to be safe, it is possible that they are safe only so far as their toxicity or their effects on growth and reproduction are concerned. Quite possibly, safe doses of toxicants may affect fishes in less obvious manners.
Lead (Hemphillet al. 1971), cadmimum (Joneset al. 1971) and DDT (Wassermannet al. 1971) have been shown to reduce the immune response of mammals. Recent work (Sarot 1973) has shown that zinc decreases antibody production in the zebrafish.
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Supported in part by NSF Grant No. NSF-CB-31467, and submitted by the senior author in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at New York University.
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Roales, R.R., Perlmutter, A. The effects of sub-lethal doses of methylmercury and copper, applied singly and jointly, on the immune response of the blue gourami (Trichogaster trichopterus) to viral and bacterial antigens. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 5, 325–331 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02220914
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02220914