Toxicological Impact of Pentachlorophenol on the Hepatic and Reproductive Activity of the Stinging Catfish Heteropneustes fossilis

Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is an organochlorine compound used widely as a pesticide, disinfectant, and biocide. Its LC50 was determined, which is 400 μg L-1 in a bioassay system, and toxicity was evaluated in female Heteropneustes fossilis exposed to 1/25th (16 μg L-1) and 1/10th (40 μg L-1) LC50 concentrations for 28 days in previtellogenic and late vitellogenic phases. Behavioural, metabolic and reproductive parameters were evaluated. The exposed fish were put to high stress judging from the significant increase in plasma cortisol and erratic behaviours. The body mass of the liver and ovary decreased significantly. Various histopathological anomalies were noticed in the liver and ovary and were attributed to altered steroid biosynthesis and metabolism judging from increased estradiol-17β and testosterone levels in plasma and their decreased levels in the ovary and liver. The results show that the toxicant can act at different levels to produce behavioural, physiological and pathological changes affecting metabolism and reproduction.