ATRAZINE INDUCED INTESTINAL HISTOPATHOLOGY AND THE PROTECTIVE ROLE OF VITAMIN C

ABSTRACT

Atrazine is one of the most commonly used herbicides in many developing countries around the world. Its previously reported effects couldnegativelyimpactthesurvivalofaquaticlives including fish. The present study was aimed at investigating the interactions between dietary supplementation with Vitamin C as an antioxidant and the pesticide, atrazine in Clarias gariepinus. The experimental fishes were exposed for 28 days to 0µg (Control), 10µg, 20µg and 30µg of atrazine in a controlled static renewal bioassay. Physicochemical parameters of test water were continuously monitored throughout the experiment and results showed that the physico-chemical parameters of test water were within range for survival of fishes in the tropics. Histological assessment of the intestines of exposed fish revealed pathological alterations in all the atrazine treatment groups including the groups with Vitamin C, although, this was concentration dependent. The degree of the alteration was directly proportional to the concentration, and in comparison, with the control group which had no alterations. Epithelium breakage, presence of lamina propria, inflammatory infiltrations, impaired intestinal epithelium showing necrotic enterocytes, degenerated enterocytes and necrosis at villus tips were some of these alterations observed. Co-exposure with Vitamin C significantly reduced the lesions in the treatment groups. Although, atrazine resulted in severe lesions in the intestinal tissues of exposed fish, Vitamin C, however, could be an economically alternative antioxidant capable of boosting fish immunity against toxic chemicals and thus, should be appropriately included in fish diet especially in aquaculture.