Effects of lead on reproductive physiology in Cyprinus carpio

In this study, Cyprinus carpio of both sexes were exposed to two concentrations of (0.13 and 0.26 ppm) heavy metal lead for a period of 7, 14 and 21 days and effects on the levels of plasma sex steroids (17β-Estradiol (E2), 11-ketotestosteron (11-KT), 17,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17,20βP)) were examined. Additionally, hepatosomatic and gonadosomatic index were calculated by taking samples from liver and gonad tissues of fish with also histopatologic analysis. No significant changes were observed on serum E2, 11-KT ve 17,20βP levels in both male and females groups. GSI were also showed no significant alterations compared with control, however, HSI were decreased at 7. and 21. days in female groups. Dilatations of sinusoids and bile ducts, congesions of central veins, lenfosit infiltration and pigmentation were narrowly determined in histapatologic examination of livers. In testis, fibrosis with rare density were found and in ovaries no significant pathologies were determined compared with control. The studys concludes that, the selected concentrations of lead at the analyzed exposure periods, showed no endocrine disrupting effects in C. carpio