Hepatic perturbations induced by a herbicide (atrazine) in juvenile grey mullet Liza ramada (Mugilidae, Teleostei): an ultrastructural study

Chronological effects produced by 0.17 mg 1 −1 atrazine in the liver of juvenile grey mullets ( Liza sp) were investigated by means of light and electron microscopy. Fish primarily reacted (day 3 to 9) with a substantial increase in the size of lipid droplets (adaptive change) and lipofuscin granules. After 21 days of contamination, liver lipoid degeneration was observable. Such pathology indicates the transition to the final step of the stress process (exhaustion) as revealed by the increase in mortality rates. In mullets intoxicated for 11 days then returned to clean water for 18 days, reversal of the induced alterations and enhancement of the hepatic metabolism linked to detoxication mechanisms indicated hepatic recovery. These results provide evidence of (ultra)structural perturbations in mugilid liver by a subacute concentration of atrazine.