Seasonal variability of detoxificant response and heavy metal accumulation in tissues of both sexes in Tinca tinca (L.) from Lake Trasimeno

Tinca tinca were sampled seasonally from Lake Trasimeno in order to investigate the influence of heavy metal accumulation and changing environmental parameters on the antioxidant responses in this species. Liver, gills and kidney of both sexes were analyzed for total glutathione, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase, glyoxalase I, glyoxalase II, while muscle was analyzed for arsenic, lead, cadmium and mercury. The MRLs (maximum residue limits) set by actual regulation were not exceeded for heavy metals, but a seasonal and sex-linked variability of antioxidant parameters was observed, and major variations occurred especially in summer and autumn. In this shallow lake, heavy metal accumulation did not affect the biochemical variations, which are rather due to the decreased water level inducing hyperoxia and hypoxia within 24 h, high temperature and loss of mating and refuge areas.