Effect of an anionic detergent—sodium dodecyl sulphate exposure on club cells in the epidermis of Clarias batrachus

When treated with detergent club cells showed degenerative changes and released their contents to plug the intercellular spaces. This mechanism could act as an efficient protective barrier substantiating the role of club cells in assisting fish to overcome adverse conditions. A general decrease in the dimensions of club cells was associated with discharge of their contents. The appearance of juvenile club cells reflected their differentiation in response to increased demands to meet the challenge. Increases in the number of club cells indicated the differentiation of these cells at a rate faster than their degeneration. Localization of glycogen in club cells at the start of detergent treatment and, in general, its absence later and, in both control and juvenile club cells, is discussed in relation to the metabolic status of the cells. No marked shift was observed in the mucopolysaccharide and protein moieties of club cells.