Abstract: The effects of acute cadmium stress on iron metabolism were investigated in Boleophthalmus pectinirostris. Fish was exposed to different concentration Cd2+ (0.05, 0.25, 0.5 and 5 mg/L) for 24 h, and the concentration of serum iron, total iron-binding capacity and serum ferritin were detected. The results showed that the concentration of serum iron increased at first and then descended (P<0.05), and there had a positive correlation between the variation range of serum iron and Cd2+ concentration. In the four experimental groups, the minimal value of serum iron was all appeared at 6 h after Cd2+ exposed, and the value at 24 h was all significantly higher than 0 h (P<0.05). The total iron binding capacity showed changes of decrease to increase, while the change extent had no significant (P>0.05) in 0.05 mg/L group. At 24 h, total iron binding capacities recovered to or exceed the normal levels (0 h) except 5 mg/L group. In 0.05 and 0.25 mg/L groups, the concentration of serum ferritin had no significant changes during experimental period. In 0.5 and 5 mg/L groups, the concentration of serum ferritin increased significantly after 12h (P<0.05), and the increased extent was positive correlation to Cd2+ concentration. The results could provide reference for investigating the toxicity metabolism of cadmium to B. pectinirostris through interfering iron metabolism.

Key words: Boleophthalmus pectinirostris, cadmium stress, iron metabolism indicators