Effects of imidacloprid on the hematological and serum biochemical profile of labeo rohita

The present study was designed to assess the effect of chloro-nicotinyl insecticide,imidacloprid,on the hematological and serum biochemical profile of fresh water fish labeo rohita. a sub lethal dose of 120 mgl1 was applied under short (2,4 and 8) and long term (16,32 and 64 days) experimental condition. pesticide effect was more pronounced in the short term experiments. hemoglobin,rbc,pcv,mcv and platelet values reduced significantly in imidacloprid exposed fish indicating severe anemic condition. hyperglycemia,hypercalcemia and hypoprotonemia was observed in insecticide treatments indicating high energy demand of fish to neutralize the effect of toxicant. significant increase in serum alt,ast and lactate dehydrogenase shows the disturbance of liver physiology in labeo rohita upon pesticide exposure. observed effects were less severe in long term experiment indicating an inverse correlation between change in physiology and duration of imidacloprid exposure. copyright 2014 zoological society of pakistan.