The sub-lethal effects of Cadmium on some gill histopathology in the cultivated Sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus)

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Abstract

The sub-lethal effects of water-born Cadmium (Cd) on histopathological changes of gill
tissues were investigated on Sterlet, Acipenser ruthenus. In this research, 60 fish (41.69 ± 0.95
g and 23.98 ± 0.14 cm) were randomly distributed in 4 experimental groups, each with 3
replicates. The fish were exposed to different concentrations of Cd for 21 days under semistatic
experimental condition as: 0, 16, 32 and 64 μg/L Cd. At the end of the experiment, the
gill tissues were fixed in Bouin's solution for histopathological studies. Qualitative and
quantitative changes of the gill tissues were analyzed. Several qualitative changes including
hyperplasia, hypertrophy of epithelial cells and epithelial edema as well as necrosis, rings and
fusion of gill filaments and secondary lamellae were observed in all treated fish including
control group. Quantitative analysis based on organ index (Iorg) showed significant increase in
histopathological changes in the gill tissues coincided by elevation of Cd concentration in the
water. However, there was no significant differences in the organ index between control and
16Cd group.The results of this study demonstrate severe histopathological changes in the gill
tissues after exposing to sub-lethal concentration of water-born Cd under experimental
condition. The results of this study might be used as a guildline for evaluation of
histopahological changes being induced by heavy metals in natural or cultivated environment
for sturgeon fish.

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Iranian Scientific Fisheries Journal
Volume 22, Issue 4 - Serial Number 85
November and December 2014
Pages 71-81

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