Observations on the function of mucous cells in the epidermis of the cat-fish Clarias batrachus exposed to sodium dodecyl sulfate.

ABSTRACT

Response of mucous cells, in the epidermis of the catfish Clarias batrachus, to a sublethal concentration of sodium dodecyl sulfate was studied and correlated with the alteration in the status of their secretory activity after different durations of the treatment. At 4h, 8h, 24h, 48h and 72h of the detergent treatment, most mucous cells attained voluminous dimensions and appeared closely approximating to or even overlapping the adjacent ones. At 12h, 36h, and 60h, in contrast, the mucous cells appeared small and slender, and seemed to be located at greater intervals. These changes in dimensions were responsible for the apparent increase or decrease in the density of mucous cells after different durations of detergent treatment. Statistically, however, no significant change was observed in the total number of the mucous cells throughout the experiment. The mucous cells appeared enlarged towards the end of the experiment signifying increased mucus production. This is considered as an adaptation, for protection, assisting the fish to adjust to the changed environment. A shift in the histochemical nature of the secretory contents at the middle and basal parts of the mucous cells, from a mixture of neutral and acid glycoproteins to neutral glycoproteins, during the early stages of the treatment suggests that acid moities could not simultaneously be synthesized as an immediate response to enhanced mucous secretion. The apical parts of the mucous cells, however, showed no histochemical change throughout the experiment.