Ultrastructural Changes in the Epithelium of the Stomach of Aphanius dispar (Cyprinodontidae), Due to Stress from Starvation

Abstract

Ultrastructural changes in the epithelium of the stomach  of Aphanius dispar, a cyprinodont fish, due to starvation have been described.  The changes in the epithelium after 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 hours have been discussed.  The  degeneration of the epithelial cells commenced after 24 hours and steadily progressed till 96 hours at which the maximum change was observed. Changes in response to starvation include the disappearance of lipid droplets, mitochondrial damage, goblet cells degeneration, morphological aberration of the nuclei  and overall abnormalities  in the structural integrity of the rugae.  This study confirms that stress due to starvation causes significant pathomorphological changes in the stomach in four days.