TOXICOPATHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF SUB-LETHAL CONCENTRATION OF LEAD NITRATE ON THE AERIAL RESPIRATORY ORGANS OF ‘MURREL’ CHANNA STRIATA     (BLOCH, PISCES)

Sub-lethal toxicity of lead nitrate solution (46.25mg/L, 5% of 96h LC₅₀ value) on the air-breathing organ (suprabranchial chamber) of Channa striata was analysed for 60 days. Because air-breathing organs of C. striata remain in direct contact with waterborne xenobiotics, any change in the aquatic ecosystem was directly reflected in them. Concentration of lead accumulation in the air-breathing organ fluctuated at different stages of exposure. Due to extensive secretory activity, the mucous cells very often got exhausted and disappeared followed by their regeneration. This causes periodic fluctuations in the density of the mucous cells. A significant increase in the gross DNA contents in relation to the respective control is noticed at many stages of exposure. Increases in the RNA and protein contents with simultaneous increase in the mucogenic activity of the mucous cells were also observed. The total lipid contents also showed a periodic fluctuation in their concentration.