Effects of Oral Administration of Nano Zinc Oxide on Some Immunological Parameters of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Abstract

An increase in the use of zinc oxide nanoparticles has raised concerns on potential environmental hazards regarding the entrance of these nanoparticles to aquatic systems. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of oral administration of ZnO nanoparticles on blood immune parameters of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). In this study, fish were fed with 0, 5, 10 and 15 mg ZnO nanoparticles per kg feed for 21 days. At the end of the experiment, immune parameters such as lysozyme activity, total immunoglobulins, alternative complement (ACH50), complement C3 and C4 were measured. Feeding fish with a diet containing 15 mg ZnO increased the activity of lysozyme enzyme (P <0.05). However, there were no significant changes in total immunoglobulin activity and ACH50 (P <0.05). The activity of complement C3 and C4 in plasma of fish treated with 10 and 15 mg ZnO was significantly higher than that of the control group (P <0.05). Oral administration of zinc oxide nanoparticles had no effects on increasing total immunoglobulin and ACH50. However, the increased activity of lysozyme, C3 and C4 in fish treated with 15 mg/kg ZnO may indicates a physiological response to increased levels of zinc in blood, and the higher activity of non-specific immune system.

Keywords

• zno
• nanoparticles
• immune system
• common carp