Sex-specific reaction of liver ultrastructure in zebra fish (Brachydanio rerio) after prolonged sublethal exposure to 4-nitrophenol

Abstract Morphological alterations of the liver of zebra fish ( Brachydanio rerio ) following prolonged exposure to 0.1, 1 and 5 mg · l −1 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) were investigated by means of light and electron microscopy. Based on marked sexual dimorphism in control animals, liver recactions were both sex- and dose-dependent. Whereas at 0.1 mg·1 −1 only minor changes could be revealed, there were numerous structural modifications at 1 mg·1 −1 : Whereas male fish primarily react with a proliferation of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, female fish display a high degree of fenetrastion within cisternate of the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Both sexes exhibit infiltration of macrophages and lymphocy…