Metacid Induced Histopathological Changes in Stomach of Fingerlings of Channa punctatus (Bloch)

The present study reports histopathological and histochemical changes in the stomach of fingerlings (three groups) of the freshwater, air-breathing, snake-headed murrel fish, Channa punctatus (Bloch), following exposure to a sub-lethal concentration (8.4ppm) of Metacid 50 (an organophosphate) for 96 hours. Histopathological changes observed in both the cardiac and pyloric regions of the stomach included disruption of the inner epithelial lining, loss of nuclear integrity in cells, glandular deformities, and damage to the serosa, along with disorganized submucosa and muscularis layers. Histochemically, Metacid intoxication led to an increase in mucins in the serosa and a higher concentration of glycogen in the neutral muscularis. The muco-substances present in both control and exposed fingerlings may play a vital role in detoxification by neutralizing the toxicant (Metacid) or protecting the gastric mucosa from chemical injury. These findings highlight the need for regular biochemical monitoring and timely restoration of freshwater bodies to support aquatic life.