Effects of herbicides Asoprim and Avans on the morphological pattern in haemopoietic organ and cell-mediated immunity in European catfish ( Silurus glanis)

Abstract

A recent preliminary study suggested that herbicides can have significant pathological effects on carp. Few investigators have indicated that herbicides can inhibit food uptake by fish or adversely affect their reproductive and alimentary systems and their ability to mount effective nonspecific defences. We analyzed the influence of two major herbicides, Asoprim and Avans, on pronephros histology and ultrastructure and on activity of immunocompetent polymorphonuclear and mononuclear cells in European catfish ( Silurus glanis). Fish were exposed to several different concentrations of herbicides. Results showed that Asoprim and Avans decreased phagocytic and intracellular killing activity of pronephros phagocytes. Morphological study indicated changes in pronephros, one of the most important haemopoietic organs in fish.