Histopathological effect of lead nitrate on the gills of freshwater fish, Channa striatus

Abstract

The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of lead nitrate on the gills of fresh water fish, Channa striatus. Fish were exposed to sub-lethal concentration of lead nitrate (28 mg/l) over a period of 30, 60 and 90 days. The lesions observed in the gills included severe loosening of cartilaginous core, deshaped gill lamellae and ruptured gill epithelium. Simultaneously, cartilaginous core showed damage and distraction whereas the distal portion of gill lamellae showed broadening which resulted in maximum histopathological changes. Swollen gill lamellae, shortening of tips, necrosis in gill lamellae and damaged gill lamellae were also observed. The results of the present study clearly indicate that chronic exposure to lead nitrate caused adverse effects on the gills of C. striatus.