Multidisciplinary haematology as prognostic device in environmental and xenobiotic stress-induced response in fish.

Abstract

The variations of haematological parameters hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, leukocyte and erythrocyte count have been used as pollution and physiological indicators of organic dysfunction in both environmental and aquaculture studies. These parameters are commonly applied as prognostic and diagnostic tools in fish health status. However, there are both extrinsic and intrinsic factors to consider when performing a blood test, because a major limitation for field researchers is that the "rules" for animal or human haematology do not always apply to wildlife. The main objective of this review is to show how some environmental and xenobiotic factors are capable to modulating the haematic cells. Visualizing the strengths and limitations of a haematological analysis in the health assessment of wild and culture fish. Finally, we point out the importance of the use of mitochondrial activities as part of haematological evaluations associated to environment or aquaculture stress.