CADMIUM CHLORIDE INDUCED CHANGES IN GLYCOGEN CONTENT OF HEPATIC AND GILL TISSUES OF CHANNA PUNCTATUS

Abstract

Various contaminants, including toxic heavy metals such as cadmium, copper, mercury, and zinc, are widely present in rivers and reservoirs, posing a serious threat to aquatic life. Cadmium pollution in the environment is caused by the development and utilization of chemical fertilizers in agriculture, metals and minerals in industry, and the use of some industrial products containing Cd, which may be discharged into water with wastewater. Channa punctatus, commonly found across India, is highly valued commercially due to its easy cultivation, exceptional nutritional benefits, and availability throughout the year. The study revealed a significant, time-dependent reduction of total glycogen levels in both hepatic (liver) and gill tissues of Channa punctatus following exposure to sub lethal concentrations of cadmium. The decline was more pronounced at higher concentrations (Group-II) and longer exposure durations (21 days). In contrast, the control group showed stable glycogen levels throughout the experimental period, indicating that glycogen exposure disrupts glycogen metabolism in a dose- and duration-dependent manner.