Effect of cadmium chloride on glycogen content in gill, liver and kidney of edible exotic fish hypophthalmichthys molitrix

Heavy metal contamination in the aquatic environment is a potential threat for aquatic organisms, when exposed to significant amounts of metals as consequences of industrial, agricultural and anthropological activities. Heavy metals at high concentrations can cause harmful effects on metabolic, physiological, and biochemical systems of fishes and it causes long-term eco-toxicological effects. The aim of the present study was to assess the glycogen content in gill, liver and kidney of the fish Hypophthalmichthys molitrix exposed to sublethal concentrations of cadmium chloride 1/5th (high), 1/10th (medium) and 1/15th (low) of the 96 hour LC50 values for the period of 7, 14 and 21 days. The exotic fish, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix was exposed to sublethal concentrations of cadmium chloride for various exposure periods (7, 14 and 21days). Glycogen levels were measured both in control and experimental fish. During various exposure periods, the glycogen levels were (P<0.05) significantly decreased in the experimental fish over the control.