Comparison of the acute effects of benzo-a-pyrene on adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) cardiorespiratory function following intraperitoneal injection versus aqueous exposure.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants. PAH exposure causes developmental toxicity in multiple fish species, while acute adult fish toxicity is thought to be minimal. The literature increasingly suggests sublethal PAH effects may occur, but differences in exposure route may confound conclusions.

Acute effects of β-naphthoflavone on cardiorespiratory function and metabolism in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonists are known to cause lethal cardiovascular deformities in fish after developmental exposure. Acute adult fish toxicity of AhR agonists is thought to be minimal, but limited evidence suggests sublethal effects may also involve the cardiac system in fish. In the present study, adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) were aqueously exposed to solvent control or three nominal concentrations of the commonly used model AhR agonist, β-naphthoflavone (BNF), for 48 h.