Effects of endosulfan on the blood and organ chemistry of freshwater fish, Barbus conchonius Hamilton.

Prolonged exposure (4 weeks) to 6.72 ppb of the organochlorine insecticide endosulfan induced disturbances in the blood and organ chemistry values of a common fish, Barbus conchonius. In blood the total lipids, cholesterol, and proteins were decreased in comparison to unexposed controls, while the free fatty acids (FFA), glucose, total phosphorus, and lactate were increased. Total lipids, FFA, and proteins were augmented in liver; cholesterol, in liver and ovary; and phosphorus and glycogen, in skeletal muscles. Compared to the controls, a decrease was seen in the total lipids (skeletal muscles and ovary), glycogen (liver, brain, and heart), and cholesterol (testes). Hyperlipemia, hyperproteinemia, and hyperlactemia persisted during a recovery period of 1 week in clean water following endosulfan poisoning.