Effects of fenthion on the blood and tissue chemistry of a teleost fish (Heteropneustes fossilis).

Exposure of a freshwater teleost, Heteropneustes fossilis, to a concentration of 14 . 625 mg per 1 (0.9 of 96 h LC50) fenthion induced muscle and hepatic glycogenolysis with concomitant hyperglycaemia at 2, 6, 12 and 48 h after treatment. The pesticide evoked an initial fall (at 2 and 6 h) and later a rise (at 48 and 96 h) in blood chloride concentration. The treatment also caused anaemia with simultaneous increase in ESR and hypo-coagulability of whole-blood. The results are compared with organophosphate poisoning in this and in other fish species.