Histological and ultrastructural studies of muscles, liver and kidneys of brown bullhead (Ictalurus nebulosus) after experimental contamination with mercury

Abstract

Toxicity of mercuric compounds (Hg Cl2 and CH3Hg Cl) to fishes was determined basing an histological and ultrastructural studies of muscles, liver and kidney in brown bullhead exposed to solutions of these compounds. Histological observations revealed degenerative changes in liver and kidneys. Ultrastructural studies revealed the following changes: in muscles-disappearance of myofilaments and distension of the canals in the smooth sarcoplasmatic reticulum, in liver and kidneys-cytoplasm vacuolisation increased number lysosomes and destruction of mitochondria.