Immunolocalization of Na+ K+-ATPase enzyme and gill chloride cells in fries of Persian sturgeon, Acipenser persicus

Persian sturgeon, Acipenser persicus is a valuable species in the Caspian Sea ecosystem. For gill chloride cells localization, fish specimens 2-3 g were adapted to experimental conditions for 7 days. Gill histology was observed through light microscopy using Hematoxylin Fushin staining. Immunolocalization of gill Na^+, K^+ -ATPase was observed through fluorescent microscopy using mouse monoclonal antibody (IgG5) rinsed against Na+, K+ -ATPase. Chloride cells dimensions was observed using Image Tools software. Gill chloride cells that have high density of Na+ K+ -ATPase, were found on gill arch, gill septum, filament and lamellae. No chloride cells were observed on spiracular or opercular gills epithelium. Chloride cells were spherical to egg-shaped and showed immune-fluorescent activity on their baso-lateral sides. Results showed that in each square millimeter of gill epithelia, 289 chloride cells existed and the maximum number of these cells was found on filament, lamellae, base of the lamellae and on the inter-lamellar space. We also found that the number of these cells is significantly different in all branchial states. Persian sturgeon fry weighing 2-3 g have gill chloride cells where Na+ K+ -ATPase gene and their activity occurred. Because of their cellular transporters (like Na^+, K^+ -ATPase), these cells were the main sites of the ionic and osmotic regulation between the fish and the environment

Histopathological effects of mercuric chloride on kidney and intestine of Persian sturgeon, Acipenser persicus fry

To study the effects of mercuric chloride on kidney and intestine tissue of Persian Sturgeon, Acipenser persicus fry, fish exposed freshwater contain 15 ppb of mercuric chloride and control group were kept in non polluted freshwater for 48 hours. Histological studies of the processed tissues showed marked histological alterations than the control group that exposed only to freshwater. The pathologic lesions of the kidney included severely epithelial cell necrosis, lesion of epithelial cells from the basement membrane in the proximal and distal tubules. Proximal tubule also showed inflammation and incorporation of brush borders. Decrease of lymphoid and hematopoietic tissue observed. Pathologic lesions of intestine tissue were showed the epithelial necrosis, shrinkages of secretory follicule, lesion of epithelial microvilli in intestine. Results showed that low concentration of mercuric chloride can pose undesirable alternation in Persian Sturgeon fry, an economic and endangered species of the Caspian Sea