Information on the
biological responses of
polyploid animals towards environmental contaminants is scarce. This study aimed to compare reproductive axis-related gene expressions in the brain, plasma biochemical responses, and the liver and gill histopathological alterations in diploid and
triploid full-sibling juvenile African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Fish were exposed for 96 h to one of the two waterborne
phenanthrene (Phe) concentrations [mean measured (SD): 6.2 (2.4) and 76 (4.2) μg/L]. In
triploids, exposure to 76 μg/L Phe increased
mRNA level of fushi tarazu-factor 1 (ftz-f1). Expression of
tryptophan hydroxylase2 (tph2) was also elevated in both ploidies following the exposure to 76 μg/L Phe compared to the
solvent control. In
triploids, 76 μg/L Phe increased plasma
alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and
lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels compared to the other Phe-exposed group. It also elevated
lactate and
glucose contents relative to the other groups. In diploids, however, biochemical
biomarkers did not change.
Phenanthrene exposures elevated
glycogen contents and the prevalence of histopathological lesions in the liver and gills of both ploidies. This study showed substantial differences between diploids and
triploids on biochemical and molecular
biomarker responses, but similar histopathological alterations following acute Phe exposures.