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Effect of cadmium on the digestive system of the teleost fish, Heteropneustes fossilis

Journal Article · · Environ. Res.; (United States)
The effect of a sublethal concentration (6.8 mg/liter) of cadmium chloride on the histological structure and enzyme activities of the different parts of the alimentary tract and liver of a teleost fish, Heteropneustes fossilis, has been studied after exposure for 30 days. Liver and intestine were structurally as well as functionally the most affected portions. In the liver, connective tissue damage, liver cord disarray, enlargement and vacuolation of hepatocytes, degeneration of nuclei, accumulation of lipid, and focal necrosis were the most conspicuous changes. The erosion of mucous epithelium was noted in the stomach. In the intestine flattening and degeneration of the villi occurred and the mucus-secreting goblet cells showed hyperactivity. Three phosphatases studied showed significant inhibition in activity in the liver and intestine. An elevation in pepsin activity was recorded in the stomach but trypsin showed inhibition in the intestine. Marked inhibition was also noted in the activities of aminotripeptidase and glycylglycine dipeptidase. The results point out that cadmium produces structural damage in the digestive system and decreases the digestive efficiency by inhibiting the activity of a number of enzymes.
Research Organization:
D.A.V. College, Muzaffarnagar, India
OSTI ID:
5518277
Journal Information:
Environ. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Res.; (United States) Vol. 19:2; ISSN ENVRA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English