[Functions of metallothioneins and a system of antioxidant defense under the effect of Co- and Zn-containing nanocomposites on crucian carp (Carassius auratus gibelio)].

The effect of metal-nanocomposites (Me-NC) of cobalt and zinc (Co- and Zn-NC, correspondingly) synthecized on the basis of vinylpyrrolidone (PS) on the metal-accumulative proteins with antioxidant potential metallothioneins (MT) in crucian carp (Carassius auratus gibelio) was studied. Fish was subjected to the effect of Co-NC, Zn-NC, Co2+, Zn2+ or polymer carrier (PC) in the concentrations correspondent to 50 microg x Co/l or 100 microg x Zn/l during 14 days. It was shown that the MTs response is highly specific for the nature of metal, both in ion and Me-NC form: the effect of Co and Co-NC provoked the elevation of total MT concentration (MT-SH) and activation of antioxidant defence, whereas Zn and Zn-NC induced the decrease of the concentration of MT-SH and the inhibition of antioxidant defense. All the exposures provoked the decrease of the concentration of immunoreactive chelating MT form (MTi) and reduced glutathione, activation of anaerobiosys and Mn-superoxide dismutase, and also decrease of the concentration of proteins and lipids oxidative injury products. It was accompanied by the increase of the content of erythrocytes with nuclear abnormalities but did not cause the decrease of choline esterase activity. According to the rate of MT-SH and MTi concentrations, antioxidant potential of MTs is determined by its apoform. Our data indicate that partial biodegradation of Me-NC occurs in the organism of crucian carp.