Objectives: Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) are one of the most attractive nanomaterials for commercialization applications. This nanoparticle as a alternative feed supplement and potent disinfectant used in the poultry industry. Ag-NPs can translocate from the route of exposure to other vital organs and penetrate into cells. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of Ag-NPs on some serum enzymes and antioxidant enzyme activities in hepatic tissue in laying japanese quails. Materials & Methods: A total of 72 female quail were randomly divided into 24 experimental cages, three birds in each cage and each treatment was offered to 6 replicates at random, and treatments included 0, 4, 8 and 12 ppm of Ag-NPs in drinking water from one-day old to 30 weeks age. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities were measured as the liver function tests. To evaluate liver antioxidant defences, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) activities were determined in the homogenates of liver tissue. In addition, liver tissues were submitted for histopathologic examination. Results & Conclusion: ALT and ALP did not change, and AST were decreased significantly (P<0.05) in groups 8 and 12 ppm when compared with control group. The activity of SOD and GPx was not significantly different between the groups. While CAT were decreased significantly (P<0.01) in groups 4 and 12 ppm when compared with control group. Histopathological findings showed that the vacuolation of hepatocytes were decreased dramatically in the 12 ppm group when compared to the other groups. In conclusion, the current study reveals that the administration of AgNPs to laying japanese quails caused a decrease in hepatic catalase and serum AST activities.
