The olfactory mucosa of river catfish, Eutropiichthys vacha (Hamilton, 1822): a histochemical study

Miscellany in histochemical peculiarity of the olfactory mucosa was studied for localization of axons, mucopolysaccharides, glycogen, protein and lipid in schilbid catfish, Eutropiichthys vacha (Hamilton, 1822). Silver deposition was detected in the abundance of receptor cells in the olfactosensory epithelium and well as marked in the knob and dendrite process of primary receptor cells. The mucous cells with various stages of maturity containing different degrees of mucopolysaccharides were identified by employing the Periodic Acid Schiff s (PAS) reaction in combination with Alcian Blue (AB) test. This combined test imparted purple colour due to PAS for neutral mucin and blue colour for AB reaction due to the presence of acid mucin exclusively. The results of Best’s carmine test indicated considerable amount of glycogen present in the receptor cells, basal cells and supporting cells in the olfactory mucosa. Basic protein and bound lipid were ascertained in the various cells of the epithelial lining and in blood cells of the central core were discussed with behavioural activities of the fish interested.