IDENTIFICATION OF CONTAMINANT-INDUCED CELLULAR AND SUBCELLULAR LESIONS IN THE LIVER OF FLOUNDER (PLATICHTHYS-FLESUS L) CAUGHT AT DIFFERENTLY POLLUTED ESTUARIES

Livers of flounder (Platichthys flesus L.) were investigated by light- and electronmicroscopy from the river Elbe and the results were related to the 'exposure time' or life span of the population in different parts of the Elbe estuary and in a reference area. Prolonged stay after immigration into the polluted regions led to specific differences in the nature and incidence of liver lesions. The degree of severity of liver lesions was closely correlated to the accumulation of certain characteristic hepatotoxic and carcinogenic pollutants (Hg, PCBs, HCB, OCS, d,y-HCH and DDT; Köhler et al., 1986). Electronmicroscopy revealed subcellular responses indicating additive and antagonistic effects on cell organelles. Our results indicate that specific pathological cell responses and patterns of contaminants may function as markers in migrating fish populations. Ultrastructural studies applied in the field appear to be a useful tool for the identification and interpretation of contaminant induced liver lesions. © 1990.