Cyanotoxins within and Outside of Microcystis aeruginosa Cause Adverse Effects in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)Click to copy article linkArticle link copied!
- René S. Shahmohamadloo*René S. Shahmohamadloo*Email: [email protected]School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, CanadaDepartment of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, CanadaMore by René S. Shahmohamadloo
- Xavier Ortiz AlmirallXavier Ortiz AlmirallMinistry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Toronto, Ontario M9P 3V6, CanadaSchool of Environmental Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, CanadaMore by Xavier Ortiz Almirall
- Denina B. D. SimmonsDenina B. D. SimmonsFaculty of Science, Ontario Tech University, Oshawa, Ontario L1G 0C5, CanadaMore by Denina B. D. Simmons
- John S. LumsdenJohn S. LumsdenDepartment of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, CanadaMore by John S. Lumsden
- Satyendra P. BhavsarSatyendra P. BhavsarMinistry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Toronto, Ontario M9P 3V6, CanadaDepartment of Physical & Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M1C 1A4, CanadaMore by Satyendra P. Bhavsar
- Trudy Watson-LeungTrudy Watson-LeungMinistry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Toronto, Ontario M9P 3V6, CanadaMore by Trudy Watson-Leung
- Angela Vander EykenAngela Vander EykenSchool of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, CanadaMore by Angela Vander Eyken
- Gabrielle HankinsGabrielle HankinsSchool of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, CanadaMore by Gabrielle Hankins
- Kate HubbsKate HubbsSchool of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, CanadaMore by Kate Hubbs
- Polina KonopelkoPolina KonopelkoSchool of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, CanadaMore by Polina Konopelko
- Michael SarnackiMichael SarnackiSchool of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, CanadaMore by Michael Sarnacki
- Damon StrongDamon StrongSchool of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, CanadaMore by Damon Strong
- Paul K. SibleyPaul K. SibleySchool of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, CanadaMore by Paul K. Sibley
Abstract

The global expansion of toxic Microcystis blooms, and production of cyanotoxins including microcystins, are an increasing risk to freshwater fish. Differentiating intracellular and extracellular microcystin toxicity pathways (i.e., within and outside of cyanobacterial cells) in fish is necessary to assess the severity of risks to populations that encounter harmful algal blooms in pre-to-postsenescent stages. To address this, adult and juvenile Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were, respectively, exposed for 96 h to intracellular and extracellular microcystins (0, 20, and 100 μg L–1) produced by Microcystis aeruginosa. Fish were dissected at 24 h intervals for histopathology, targeted microcystin quantification, and nontargeted proteomics. Rainbow Trout accumulated intracellular and extracellular microcystins in all tissues within 24 h, with greater accumulation in the extracellular state. Proteomics revealed intracellular and extracellular microcystins caused sublethal toxicity by significantly dysregulating proteins linked to the cytoskeletal structure, stress responses, and DNA repair in all tissues. Pyruvate metabolism in livers, anion binding in kidneys, and myopathy in muscles were also significantly impacted. Histopathology corroborated these findings with evidence of necrosis, apoptosis, and hemorrhage at similar severity in both microcystin treatments. We demonstrate that sublethal concentrations of intracellular and extracellular microcystins cause adverse effects in Rainbow Trout after short-term exposure.
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