Lead induced histological alterations in ovarian tissue of freshwater teleost Mastacembelus pancalus (Hamilton)

Abstract

The Indian fresh water eel, Mastacembelus pancalus (Ham) was chronically exposed to lead nitrate for 30 days exposed at dose of LC20 value (in respect to 925ppm 96-h LC50 value). Results show reduced fecundity and GSI and deteriorated ootoxic conditions. Oolytic alteration includes lesion of oocytes, which resulted in dearth of any interfollicular spaces. Distorted appearance of oocytes was a major alteration observed. No distinct follicular normal histology was seen and also usual ovular conditions on the whole been lost. The effects of chronic exposure on growth and reproduction parameters were investigated in M. pancalus. The study demonstrated that toxic heavy metal lead can cause reproductive defect in fishes. Present study insured that the growth of body weight and gonadal development along with egg laying capacity that is the fecundity and histological alteration of ovary of Mastacembelus pancalus is noticeably changed after 30 days exposure of lead nitrate. Lead exposure and growth rate, GSI and were showed inverse relation. There were significant reduction on growth GSI, fecundity and histological attributes of the tissues of ovary due to chronic lead exposure. Exposure to lead can therefore, reduce fecundity of fish thereby can limit the numerical size of the succeeding generation.