Co-exposure of calcium and the neurodrug carbamazepine on the seminal quality of Astyanax lacustris males

The neuropharmaceutical Carbamazepine (CBZ), which is present in water bodies in high concentrations, and is resistant to biodegradation, combined with the presence of calcium (Ca), can have a great influence on the physiology of non-target organisms. However, it is not understood whether co-exposure of Ca and CBZ can influence fish sperm parameters. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the role of CBZ in the morphology, kinetics, sperm concentration, and seminal pH of A. lacustris males, and the influence of Ca on the effects of CBZ on the same parameters, after exposure. After the end of the males exposure to the combination of different environmental concentrations of CBZ with calcium, semen samples were collected to evaluate seminal quality parameters. In general, the morphology results showed a significant drop in the percentage of normal spermatozoa in animals exposed to CBZ at concentrations of 250 and 500 ng L-1 and exposed to 21 mg L-1 Ca + 250 ng L-1 CBZ in relation to DMSO. Similarly, there was a reduction in curvilinear speed (VCL), straight line speed (VSL) and average travel speed (VAP), in addition to the percentage of straightness (STR) in the same experimental groups. The spermatozoa motility (MOT) was reduced when fish was exposed to 250 and 500 ng L-1 of CBZ only. Seminal pH and sperm concentration were not affected by CBZ and/or Ca. Considering the results obtained, contrary to what was hypothesized, it was observed that CBZ alone has greater effects on the seminal quality of A. lacustris compared to CBZ+Ca. Therefore, these results contribute to urgent action in understanding the toxicity of CBZ, a drug with reproductive disrupting actions in teleost fish. (AU)