Effects of Pesticide Temephos on the Liver of Aphanius dispar (Rüppell 1828) (Pisces: Cyprinodontidae): A Microscopic Study

The effects of the pesticide temephos, at different concentrations, on the liver of Aphanius dispar, (Rüppell 1828) a cyprinodont fish, have been described. The changes in the liver tissue after exposure to 1 ppm, 5 ppm, 10 ppm and 25 ppm concentrations of temephos have been presented. Light and transmission electron microscopy showed that the degeneration of the liver cells commenced after exposure to 1 ppm and steadily progressed to show maximum changes at 25 ppm. Histopathological changes included the dilation of sinusoids, an increase in the number of lipid droplets and cytoplasmic vacuolation, pyknosis of the nuclei and focal necrosis. These results falsify the claim that temephos is a non-systemic poison.