Sublethal effects of endosulfan on the histology and protein pattern of Cyprinus carpio gill

Histological and protein pattern changes in the gill of the common carp, Cyprinus carpio were investigated following exposure to sublethal concentrations of the organochlorine insecticide, endosulfan. Hyperplasia, lamellar fusion, curling of the tips of primary lamellae, exudation of erythrocytes and bulging of the tips of primary lamellae were the histological lesions observed. Protein pattern of the gill varied at different sampling periods characterised by disappearance of certain fractions and occurrence of additional fractions. It was concluded that the severity of histological changes and protein pattern variations seen in the gill was dependent on both the duration of exposure and the concentrations of endosulfan used (over the range 5—25 % of the 96 hr LC₅₀ value, 5·199ppb).