Microscopic Studies on Erythrocytes of Channa punctata Exposed to Commercial Grade Lindane

Light and scanning electron microscopic studies of erythrocytes of Channa punctata exposed to two sublethal doses of lindane over a period of 21 days revealed myriads of anomalies. High frequency of micronucleus appeared progressively in the erythrocyte, ranging from 3.8-7.5%, when monitored weekly for 21 d at 0.25 g/L and 1.0-3.0% at 0.025 g/L lindane. Prominent structural anomalies of erythrocytes included abnormal shapes, vacuolation, membrane invagination and disintegration. At higher dose and at later duration, a unique tendency of abnormal cells to stick together was observed. It could be concluded that commercial formulation of lindane could induce genotoxicity and structural anomalies in the erythrocytes of fish.