Effect of carbon tetrachloride on the hepatic alkaline and acid phosphatases in a teleost fish, Heteropneustes fossils.

The effect of carbon tetrachloride on the liver of Heteropneustes fossilis was investigated in relation to the activity of phosphatases. 3 h after intraperitoneal injection, the liver showed binucleate cells, balloon cells and necrosis. The cell membrane of the hepatocytes around the biliary canaliculi is ruptured at a few places and the cellular exudates are accumulated in the canaliculi. The nucleus is enlarged and becomes pycnotic. Intense alkaline and acid phosphatase activity is observed along the cell membrane, around the nucleus and nucleolus. 5 h after injection, the liver cell membrane is ruptured and cirrhosis results. The cell volume is decreased and the contents of the cell are accumulated at a few places. The nucleus is fragmented. Strong phosphatase activity is seen throughout the cells, especially around the nucleus and cell membrane.