Ultrastructural Changes in the Kidneys of the Stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus (L.) Exposed to Dissolved Cadmium

Abstract

The cytological alterations in kidney tissues of the stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus exposed to 6 mg Cd.L-1 on water 299 mg.L-1 hardness as CaCO3 at 12 + 2oC for 30 days are described. The alterations include vacuolation of the haemotopoetic cells, enlargement of nuclei, of renal cells, shrunken and rounded mitochondria increased electron dense materials necrotic cells and electron transparent vacuoles becoming occupied by granulomas. Lysosomes become numerous in all cells notably the collumnar cells towards the microvilli and tubule lumina. The role played by the lysosomes is discussed.

Journal of Aquatic Sciences Volume 16, April 2001, pp. 53-56



Key words:

Cadmiun. kidney ultrastructure freshwater fish