| Summary: | The aim of this study was to assess the toxic effects of zinc on the hematological parameters and antioxidant responses in the olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus. Juvenile olive flounders (mean length 13.4 ± 1.3 cm, and mean weight 24.3 ± 3.5 g) were exposed to waterborne zinc (Zn) at different concentrations (0, 1, 2, 4, and 8 mg Zn/L) for two weeks. The hematological parameters, hemoglobin level and hematocrit, were substantially decreased. In plasma components, various factors [the inorganic components calcium and magnesium; the organic components glucose and cholesterol; and the enzymatic components glutamic oxalate transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvate transaminase (GPT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)] were altered by exposure to waterborne zinc, whereas there was no change in the total protein. The responses of the antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) were significantly increased, whereas glutathione (GSH) was significantly decreased. The results of this study demonstrate that exposure to waterborne zinc is toxic to P. olivaceus, and induces alterations in the hematological parameters and antioxidant responses. Keywords: Zinc toxicity, Hematological parameters, Plasma components, Oxidative stress, Paralichthys olivaceus
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