Biomarkers for Stress in Fish Embryos and Larvae

The present work evaluates the toxic effects of some environmental stressors on fish eggs and larvae and describes the biomarker responses of fish from locations with varying levels of pollution. Development of the main groups of biomarkers is discussed. The book demonstrates general trends and specific peculiarities of biomarker induction in early fish life and their association with the animal?s developmental stages. It addresses responses of fish eggs and larvae to pollution under experimental conditions and presents information obtained from in situ studies.

Chapters describe xenobiotics accumulation, anoxia and hypoxia, increasing temperature, eutrophication, and other unfavorable environmental factors, including biotic and abiotic factors, and their impact on fish embryos. They also examine fluctuations in biomarker levels in fish eggs and larvae that have been impacted by climate changes and discuss possible scenarios, especially for fish population size, reproduction, growth, development and biodiversity.

Introduction. Stress Response in Fish. Stressors. Physiological stress response. Cellular stress response. Biomarkers: Classification, Characterization and Specificity in Fish. Biotransformation system. Antioxidant system and lipid peroxidation. Stress proteins. Haemotological characteristics. Metabolic rate. Cholinesterases. Endocrine disruption. Other biomarkers. Development of Biomarkers in Fish Early Life. Biotransformation system. Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant system. Stress proteins. Biochemical parameters. Metabolic rate. Cholinesterases. Endocrinology of fish early development. Development of the immune system. Biomarkers Responses in Fish Early Life. Experimental studies. Field studies. Fish Biomarkers and Climate Changes. Eutrophication effects. Increasing water temperature. UV-irradiation effects. Conclusions and Perspectives. References.