Abstract
Channel catfish were exposed to antimony trioxide in the aquaria water at 100 mg Sb/1 for 30 days and 4 mg Sb/1 for 120 days. There were no mortalities of gross pathologic lesions observed at these levels of exposure. Subtle changes were observed in the Sb treated fish in serum sodium and potassium levels and an increase in spleen weight. It was postulated that the decreased electrolyte levels may have been caused by damage to the epithelium of the gills, intestines or kidney tubules. The increased spleen weight was attribute to an increase in phagocytosis of damaged erythrocytes by the reticulo-endothelial system in the spleen. Chronic oral exposure to antimony trioxide in the diet (2000-8000 mg Sb/kg of food) for 60 - 90 days did not produce any lethal effects of pathognomonic lesions. However, the histologic and hematologic data did provide evidence of debilitating change occurring in the circulatory and hemopoietic systems. The serum enzyme profile of the catfish exposed to antimony trioxide showed indications of muscle liver damage. Dermal or oral exposure to antimony trioxide resulted in the preferential uptake of antimony by the liver, spleen, posterior kidney and anterior kidney. The distribution of antimony to the various tissues was attributed to the affinity of antimony for sulfhydryl groups and/or the phagocytic action of macrophages residing in these organs.
Tamulinas, Stacey Harry (1979). The effects of antimony trioxide on channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus. Texas A&M University. Texas A&M University. Libraries. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /DISSERTATIONS -718798.