Histopathological alterations and cadmium accumulation in the liver and gills of Aphanius chantrei (Gaillard, 1895) (Cyprinodontiformes: Cyprinodontidae)

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the toxic effects of cadmium (Cd) in the liver and gills of Aphanius chantrei at the histopathological level. Fish were exposed to the acute concentration of Cd (5.5 mg/L) for 96 h, and the tissues were processed for light and electron microscopic analysis. Cd was highly accumulated in liver rather than gill. There were necrotic areas in the liver parenchyma and deformations in the shape of hepatocytes. Accumulation of dark granules, disintegration of the endothelial cells and Kupffer cell hyperplasia were observed. Mitochondria displayed lysis, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) cisternae were dilated and lipid inclusions observed inside the hepatocytes. Secondary lamellas were observed to be the primary target of Cd intoxication in gills. There were blood congestions in some regions. Fusion, epithelium lifting and hyperplasia were also observed in the gills of treated fish.