Histopathological Alterations of Hybrid Walking Catfish (Clarias macrocephalus x Clarias gariepinus) in Acute and Subacute Cadmium Exposure

Nuntiya Pantung^a, Kerstin G. Helander^a, Herbert F. Helander^a,b and Voravit Cheevaporn^a

^a Graduate School of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Burapha University, Chonburi 20131, Thailand
^b Department of Gastroresearch, Sahlgren Academy, Goteborg University, Sweden

Received 11 July 2007; Accepted 2 January 2008

Abstract
     Histopathological alterations occur in the gills, livers and kidneys of 3-month old hybrid walking catsfich (Clarias macrocephalus x Clarias gariepinos) after acute and subacute cadmium exposure in water, and after intraperitoneal injection.The 96-h LC50 for cadmium in recirculation open systems was 13.6 mg/l, and the 96-h LD50 1.6 mg/kg of fish. Light microscopic studies were carried out in gills, livers and kidneys. Gill alterations included an increased number of chloride cells, breakdown of the pillar cells and edema of the epithelial cells. In the liver there was blood conjestion in sinusoids and swelling of hepatocytes. The kidneys showed vacuolation and necrosis of proximal tubular cells.

Keywords: Histopathological alterations; cadmium exposure; acute; subacute; catfish

* corresponding author : herberthelander@hotmail.com

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