Toxic effects of waterborne lead (Pb) on bioaccumulation, serum biochemistry, oxidative stress and heat shock protein-related genes expression in Channa argus

Lead (Pb) is a harmful metal element for aquatic animals. The aim of this study was to determine waterborne Pb exposure on oxidative stress, serum biochemistry and heat shock proteins (HSPs) genes expression in Channa argus. Fish were randomly divided into four groups and the Pb concentrations were 0, 50, 200, and 800 μg/L, respectively. The results showed that the accumulation of Pb was detected in the gill, intestine, liver and muscle following exposure to Pb. Pb accumulation content in tissues was gill > intestinal > liver > muscle. With the increased of Pb exposure concentrations, the levels of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), lysozyme (LZM) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) significantly decreased. Serum biochemistry, oxidative stress parameters and HSPs gene expression were all enhanced with the increase following Pb expose concentration. Our results suggest that waterborne Pb exposure can induce Pb accumulation, oxidative stress and immune response in C. argus. •Exposure to waterborne Pb induced significant bioaccumulation in specific tissues.•The profile of Pb accumulation: gill > intestinal > liver > muscle.•Oxidative stress and immune response were affected following exposure to waterborne Pb.