Histopathological effects of triphenyltin hydroxide on liver, kidney and gill of nile tilapia (Oreochromis nilotica)

Abstract

The histopathological effects of triphenyltin hydroxide (TPTH) on the liver kidney and gill of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis nilotica) one month old was studied by light microscopy. Two concentrations of TPTH were used: 1 mg I-1 and 3 mg I-1. The fish were sacrificed at the end of one, two, three and four months. The results showed that the hepatocytes underwent a variety of changes from congestion and dilatation of sinusoidal space, pallor of cytoplasm, vacuolation and accumulation of hyaline droplets. Subcapsular and scattered focal necrosis was also observed. In the kidney, hydropic degeneration and accumulation of hyaline droplets in the tubular epithelial cells were noted. In addition, a congestion of peritubular capillaries and detachment of tubular epithelial cells were observed. In more severe case there was a collapse of glomerular capillary tuft with a widening of the Bowman's capsule. There were some changes in the gill filaments and lamellae, namely hyperplasia of the covering gill epithelium, congestion of gill capillaries and vessels, and aneurysmal formation of gill lamellar capillaries. These alterations were time-and dose-dependent. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.