Immune and endocrine reproductive parameters of the chimaera, Callorhinchus callorhynchus, inhabiting a human-impacted area in Patagonia, Argentina. Preliminary results.

CRISTIANI, F.; BARRIGA, J.P.; PALACIOS, M. G.; AWRUCH, C.

Valencia

Conferencia; Sharks International Conference 2022; 2022

Sharks International

In an increasingly stressed marine environment due to anthropic activities, the assessment of wildlife health becomes imperative. Marine organisms are exposed to a complex mix of pollutants which can compromise their wellbeing. Due to the life-history characteristics, use of habitats and distribution, Chondrichthyans are prone to bioaccumulate and biomagnify significant amounts of pollutants. Knowledge of immune and reproductive impairments on wild individuals can serve as an early alert of potential conservation threats. In this study we present preliminary results on immune and reproductive parameters of the elephant fish, Callorhinchus callorhynchus, inhabiting an anthropic impacted area. Elephant fish were captured by rod and reel from shore between October 2021 and April 2022, in the Golfo Nuevo, Chubut, Argentina. Hematological parameters and reproductive hormonal profiles are presented, constituting the first report for this species. Erythrocytes, thrombocytes and five types of leucocytes (lymphocytes, monocytes, heterophils, eosinophils and neutrophils) were characterized by light microscopy. Progesterone, estradiol and testosterone were measured in juveniles and adults of both sexes. This study provides baseline physiological information for the species, contributing to an ongoing research on the responses of the immune and reproductive systems within an ecotoxicological context.