Effect of tributyltin exposure on the eye of zebrafish

Abstract

Tributyltin (TBT), as an organotin substance, is recognized as one of the important xenobiotic pollutants. The present study was carried out to investigate the toxicological effects of TBT on the sensory organ eye of adult female zebrafish. Adult zebrafish were exposed to three concentrations of TBT for 28 days (125, 250, and 500 ng/L) to evaluate the oxidative stress markers and histological changes in the eye. Mortality was not observed in any toxicity group. TBT exposure at 250 and 500 ng/L significantly decreased the CAT activity and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of eye tissue. The higher levels of TBT exposure (250 and 500 ng/L) significantly increased lipid peroxidation as indicated by increased levels of MDA. Histopathological evaluation of the retina of adult zebrafish following TBT exposure at the highest concentration revealed mild depigmentation of the retinal pigmented epithelium layer.