Effects of dimethoate (30% EC), an organophosphate pesticide on liver of common carp, Cyprinus carpio

Organ histopathology and changes in biochemical parameters in fish are good biomarkers of aquatic pollution. This study is an attempt to assess the effects of dimethoate, an organophosphate insecticide on the liver of common carp (C. carpio). Healthy individual fish were exposed to 0.40 mg l(-1) (25% of 96 hr LC50) concentration of dimethoate, for short term (96 hr). Liver of the exposed fish exhibited alterations like disruption of regular arrangement of hepatocytes, congestion and rupture of vessels; hemorrhage, cytoplasmic vacuolization, pyknotic nuclei and necrosis. Biochemical parameters viz. total liver protein (p < 0.001) and liver glycogen (p < 0.001) registered a significant decrease and blood glucose (p < 0.001) exhibited significant increase throughout exposure.