Ultrastructure changes in hepatocytes of catfish Clarias gariepinus from Lake Mariut, Egypt.
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Date
2010-09
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Abstract
In the present study, specimens of catfish (Clariidae) were collected from a polluted location (Main Basin) and a relatively clean
area (East Basin) in Lake Mariut, one of the Nile Delta Lakes in Egypt. Fifteen fish were taken from each site. Liver preparations of fish from
the two sources were comparatively examined for cellular changes using transmission electron microscopy. Fish hepatocytes from the polluted
area showed accumulation of the heterochromatin, enlarged nucleoli, and an extremely folded nuclear envelope. Perichromatin granules were
increased and progressively formed small clusters closely associated with patches of heterochromatin. In the cytoplasm, fractionation, dilation,
and vesiculation of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), and elevated amounts of smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) tubules were noted.
The most frequent pathological modifications were the swelling of mitochondria, cristae regression and changes in the electron-transparency
of the matrix. Lysosomes showing myelin-like stacks of membraneous material (phospholipidosis), glycogenosomes (i.e., glycogen rosettes
enclosed by membranes) and cytoplasmic myelinated bodies were strongly developed. Furthermore, increasing numbers of secondary
lysosomes with degraded cell organelles were found. With reference to the storage vesicles, there appeared to be an increase in the lipid
droplets (lipidosis) within many hepatocytes. This study reinforces the need to select representative sentinel species from different habitats for
biomonitoring purposes and it provides further support for the use of biomarkers in assessing the health of aquatic ecosystems.
Description
Keywords
Clarias gariepinus, Liver, Ultrastructure, Pollution, Lake Mariut
Citation
Abdel-Moneim Ashraf M, Abdel-Mohsen Hala A. Ultrastructure changes in hepatocytes of catfish Clarias gariepinus from Lake Mariut, Egypt. Journal of Environmental Biology. 2010 Sept; 31(5): 715-720.