Histopathological lesions in the body organs of cat-fish (Heteropneustes fossilis) following mercury intoxication

Light microscopic study of different body organs of cat-fish following exposure to HgCl2 0.2 mg/L in water for 30 days revealed that focal degeneration of liver cells and disorganization of hepatic cords occurred at places. Furthermore, centrilobular atrophy and compensatory hypertrophy of some hepatic cells were also observed. In the kidneys disintegration of renal epithelium along with displacement of nuclei, shrinkage of glomeruli, breakdown of Bowman's capsule and heavy infiltration by inflammatory cells were observed. The histopathological changes noted in the intestine included degeneration of lining epithelium, and diminution of goblet cells. Microscopic section of ovaries exhibited reduction of ooplasm leading to formation of atypical oocytes. An increase in the occurrence of atretic oocytes and interfolicular spaces was also discernible. No histopathological lesions could be detected in testes of male fish probably because of the difference in the maturity of the control and experimental groups. The pathomorphological alterations in relation to mercury toxicity in spleen were associated with the disorganization of the splenic cords resulting in the displacement of lymphatic tissue cells within the substance of splenic pulp. Marked depletion of the red pulp was noticeable.