Developmental and mitochondrial toxicity assessment of perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. 2023 Jan:97:104037. doi: 10.1016/j.etap.2022.104037. Epub 2022 Dec 13.

Abstract

The potential toxicity of several perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) to aquatic species are not well understood. Here, we assessed the sub-lethal toxicity potential of perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) to developing zebrafish. PFHpA was not acutely toxic to fish up to 50 µM and there was > 96% survival in all treatments. Exposure to 200 µM PFHpA decreased ATP-linked respiration of embryos. There was no evidence for ROS induction in 7-day-old larvae fish exposed to 0.1 µM or 1 µM PFHpA. Twenty-four transcripts related to mitochondrial complexes I through V were measured and atp06, cox4i1, and cyc1 levels were decreased in larval zebrafish in a concentration-dependent manner by PFHpA exposure. Locomotor activity was reduced in fish exposed to 0.1 µM PFHpA based on a visual motor response test. Anxiolytic-type behaviors were not affected by PFHpA. This study contributes to environmental risk assessments for perfluorinated chemicals.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Embryo, Nonmammalian
  • Fluorocarbons* / toxicity
  • Larva
  • Locomotion
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical* / toxicity
  • Zebrafish

Substances

  • perfluoro-n-heptanoic acid
  • Fluorocarbons
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical