Structural Analysis of the Erythrocytes of Channa punctatus (Bloch) exposed to Mercuric Chloride using Scanning Electron Microscopy

Fish are susceptible to harmful effects of heavy metals and other effluents which influence the hematological profile. Hematological parameters are considered as pathophysiological indicators and are important in diagnosing the structural and functional status of fish exposed to toxicants. Ultrastructural analyses can be used to study the alterations in erythrocytes due to environmental stress. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the toxicity of mercuric chloride on erythrocytes of fish, Channa punctatus. The experiments were conducted in accordance with the standard methods given in APHA (2005) and EPA (1996). Erythrocytes of the fish are nucleated and elliptical in shape. Scanning electron micrographs revealed the presence of spherocytes, crenation of membrane, membrane internalization and development of lobopodial projections in the erythrocytes of exposed fish. The study substantiates the hypothesis that assessment of morphological damage to erythrocytes through scanning electron microscopy can be effectively used as a toxicological tool

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