Effects of chronic exposure to γ-HCH (Lindane) on brain serotonergic and gabaergic systems, and serum cortisol and thyroxine levels of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss

Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were implanted intraperitoneally with 0.5 ml.100 g(-1) body weight of coconut oil alone (controls) or coconut oil contaning 0.05 mg of gamma-HCH (Lindane). After 18 days, changes in brain serotonin and GABA metabolism, as well as in serum cortisol and thyroxine levels, were measured. A lower final body weight was observed in gamma-HCH treated fish when compared with control fish. No significant differences were found for serum thyroxine levels between control and treated fish, but a significantly higher cortisol level was found in the gamma-HCH-implanted trout. Although GABA levels did not differ significantly in any brain region in the two treatment groups, the activity of the serotonergic system was significantly altered by the pesticide in both the hypothalamus and the telencephalon.