Effect of Methylmercury Exposure on Bioaccumulation and Nonspecific Immune Respsonses in Hybrid Grouper Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × Epinephelus lanceolatus

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The head kidney was primary organ that accumulated methylmercury in hybrid grouper. Muscle tissue had lower methylmercury content than the head kidney and liver. Nonspecific immune responses and bioaccumulation of methylmercury were linked to hybrid grouper health. ABSTRACT: Mercury (Hg) is a dangerous heavy metal that can accumulate in fish and is harmful when consumed by humans. This study investigated the bioaccumulation of mercury in the form of methylmercury (MeHg) and evaluated nonspecific immune responses such as phagocytic activity and superoxide anion (O(2)(−)) production in hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × E. lanceolatus). The hybrid grouper leukocytes were incubated with methylmercury chloride (CH(3)HgCl) at concentrations of 10–10,000 µg/L to determine cell viability, phagocytic activity, and O(2)(−) production in vitro. Subsequently, the grouper were exposed daily to CH(3)HgCl mixed in the experimental diets at concentrations of 0, 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg for 28 days. The bioaccumulation of MeHg in the liver, head kidney, and muscle tissue was measured, and the phagocytic activity and O(2)(−) production were evaluated. In vitro results indicated that cell viability was significantly lower than that of the control group at concentrations > 500 µg/L. The phagocytic rate and O(2)(−) production at concentrations ˃ 500 and ˃ 200 µg/L, respectively, were significantly lower than those of the control group. The dietary exposure demonstrated that MeHg accumulated more substantially in the liver and head kidney compared with the muscle tissue in the treatment groups. Moreover, the cumulative concentration significantly increased with higher concentrations and more days of exposure. The phagocytic rate and O(2)(−) production in the treatment groups were significantly lower than those in the control group from days 2 and 1, respectively. In conclusion, hybrid grouper accumulated significant MeHg in the liver and head kidney compared with the muscle tissue, and higher concentrations and more exposure days resulted in decreased cell viability, phagocytic activity, and O(2)(−) production.