Effect of single residual chlorine pulse upon subsequent in vitro protein synthesis by rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) liver

Rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) were exposed to 0.22 mg total residual chlorine per litre for 2 h. The fish were from a fish farm. There was a significant decrease in hepatic ribosomal translational ability after 4-h exposure. The decreased protein synthesis could explain reductions in levels of plasma proteins. Ribosomal translation efficiency differed between control and chlorine-exposed fish at different time intervals. It was concluded that poly-U-directed in vitro protein synthesis was significantly decreased by such exposure to chlorine. The primary effect occurred at 4 h after toxicant application.