Effect of Ammonium Sulphate on the Respiratory Organs of the Air-Breathing 'Murrel' Channa striata

Toxic impact of ambient ammonium sulphate on the respiratory organs of the fresh water 'murrel' Channa striata which lives in hypoxic waters has been analysed using histopathological techniques. The fish has developed bimodal respiratory mechanism for exploitation of water (through its gills and highly vascularized skin) as well as air (through air-breathing organs, ABO). Following exposure, the goblet mucous cells of the all the three respiratory organs that show periodic fluctuations in their density and staining properties play significant roles in ameliorating the hazardous effect of the ammonium salt.