Exposure of Litopenaeus vannamei to water-born copper and its effect on some hemolymph immunological and stressed parameters and lysozyme activity

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of study was to evaluate the effect of copper sulfate on some
hemolymph immunological and stressed parameters and lysozyme activity of L. vannamei.
Materials & Methods: Four hundred fifty L. vannamei post larvae 12 were exposed to copper
at 0, 0.005, and 0.01 mg l-1 for 60 days. This study was performed in three treatments with 3
replicates in the Islamic Azad University, Tehran Branch. OECD 203 instruction was used to
determination of copper level. At the end of experimental period, cortisol, glucose levels, total
protein, lysozyme activity, lactate and lactate dehydrogenase were measured.
Results: The results of study showed that cortisol, glucose, and total protein levels in 0.01 mg l-
1 group was significantly increased compared to control group (P<0.05). The concentration of
lactate increased with the increase of copper level, whereas the activity of lactate dehydrogenase
decreased with the increased copper concentration in the water (P<0.05). Additionally, a
significant decrease in lysozyme activity in copper groups (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that exposure of L. vannamei to copper at 0.005
and 0.01 mg l-1 has a negative effect on their hemolymph biochemical parameters and enzyme
activity.