Abstract
Histopathological alterations in the reproductive tissue of the female sea urchin Psammechinus miliaris after exposure to the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) phenanthrene were investigated using light microscopy. Sexually mature sea urchins were exposed to 500 μg L −1 phenanthrene for 20 days. A severe disorganisation of the acinal structure of the gonads was observed in phenanthrene-treated animals, mainly as a result of aggregates of degenerating previtellogenic oocytes. Growth and maturation of previtellogenic oocytes were inhibited, whereas there were no obvious effects on vitellogenic oocytes and mature ova. The acinal wall showed signs of fibrosis as well as dilation of the two epithelial layers. Phenanthrene severely affected the reproductive function of the sea urchins since a proper oogenesis of the ovarian tissue is very unlikely. Generally, the observed alterations are similar to histopathological changes in reproductive tissue in other invertebrates after exposure to PAHs and oil.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
