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Hepatic pathologies in the
brackish water catfish (Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus)
from contaminated locations of the Lagos Lagoon complex
O. M. Olarinmoye1*,
V. O. Taiwo3, E. O. Clarke1, C. A.
Kumolu-Johnson1, O. J. Aderinola2 and
F. Adekunbi1
1Department
of Fisheries, Lagos State University, P. M. B. 1087, Apapa,
Lagos, Nigeria.
2Department
of Zoology, Lagos State University, P. M. B. 1087, Apapa,
Lagos, Nigeria.
3Department
of Veterinary Pathology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan,
Nigeria.
*Corresponding author. E-mail:
pisxs@yahoo.com .
Accepted
30 September, 2009 |
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Several toxicological studies into the effects of aquatic pollutants on
the liver of teleost fish exist in literature. The focus on
the liver in these studies is predicated on its central
nature in the scheme of biotransformation and excretion of
xenobiotics following exposure in polluted water bodies. As
a consequence of the latter primary role of the liver in
these processes it is regarded as a
predilective
site for the sub lethal effects of xenobiotics on the
organism usually detectable at histological level. Hepatic
histopathology recorded in livers from feral populations of
the brackish water catfish Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus
from locations on the Lagos lagoon complex with significant
anthropogenic inputs from denizen populations and industries
are presented. Liver sections from sixty specimens from two
locations on the Lagos lagoon complex (Badagry lagoon:
6°24’N, 2°56’E; and Lagos lagoon: 6°29’N, 3°22’E) were
analysed. Observed pathologies included hydropic
degeneration (58%), portal / sinusoidal congestion (33%),
hepatic necrosis (26%), hemosiderosis (12%) and foci of
cellular alterations (FCA’s). No obvious oncologic features
were observed; the presence of the hydropic Vacuolation
lesion was taken as prelude to the development of neoplasms
and discussed as such.
Key
words:
Liver,
pathology, fish, toxicology, water quality. |
