Abstract
Background: Previous studies have been reported on the toxicity of Microcystin-LR, which is produced by cyanobacterial growth in fish, such as Heteropneustes fossilis (H. fossilis). However, no studies have been conducted on the effects of Microcystin-LR on the prolactin cells of H. fossilis. Methods: H. fossilis fish were intraperitoneally injected with Microcystin-LR (2.5μg/25g) and sacrificed after 1, 3, 5, 10 and 15 days. The blood samples were analyzed for the calcium levels. Histological slides of the pituitary prolactin cells were stained with Herlant’s tetrachrome and Heidenhan’s azan techniques, and examined under light microscopy. Results: The prolactin cells exposed to Microcystin-LR exhibited no structural changes on day 1. However, hyperactive prolactin cells exhibited cellular degranulation from day 3 to day 5. On days 10 and 15, degenerated and vacuolated prolactin cells were also observed. The nuclear volume of prolactin cells exposed to MC-LR increased progressively from day 3 to day 10 but on day 15 the nuclear volume returned to normal. The serum calcium level of MC-LR injected specimens showed hypocalcemia from day 3 to day 10. On day 15, the level became normal. Conclusions: Our results indicated that the serum calcium levels and prolactin cells were altered after exposure to microcystin-LR.
Highlights
Many cyanobacteria species (a.k.a. blue-green algae) produce a group of toxins, known as microcystins
Previous studies have been reported on the toxicity of Microcystin-LR, which is produced by cyanobacterial growth in fish, such as Heteropneustes fossilis (H. fossilis)
The prolactin cells exposed to Microcystin-LR exhibited no structural changes on day 1
Summary
Many cyanobacteria species (a.k.a. blue-green algae) produce a group of toxins, known as microcystins. In freshwater, including drinking water reservoirs, there is increased occurrence and intensity of cyanobacterial growth [1, 2]. The species most commonly associated with microcystins production is Microcystis aeruginosa [3]. Microcystin-LR is named for the leucine (L) and argentine (R) amino acids, and is the first identified and the most commonly studied. Microcystins are actively absorbed by fish, birds and mammals primarily via drinking water. Microcystins affect the liver, depending on the amount of the toxins absorbed. The first group consists of hepatotoxins including microcystins, nodularins and cylindrospermopsins. Previous studies have been reported on the toxicity of Microcystin-LR, which is produced by cyanobacterial growth in fish, such as Heteropneustes fossilis (H. fossilis). No studies have been conducted on the effects of Microcystin-LR on the prolactin cells of H. fossilis
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
