Effect of mercuric chloride on nucleus preopticus in Heteropneustes fossilis and their recovery by spirulina and chlorella

Abstract

The effect of mercuric chloride on nucleus preopticus in Heteropneustes fossilis was analysed histological. Fish, when treated with 0.01 ppm of mercuric chloride for 21 days exhibited degeneration, vacuolization, reduced neurosecretory material and hypertrophy in NPO. Their size was significantly (P<0.001) increased after mercuric chloride exposure. In spirulina and chlorella recovery group, these nuclei displayed a gradual reorganization in structural details and size. Fish of both recovery groups exhibited reduced vacuolization and reduced hypertrophy in NPO.