Inclusion bodies: formation and degeneration of the oocytes in the fish Channa punctatus (Bloch) in response to ammonium sulfate treatment.

In the adult Channa punctatus exposed to 500 ppm of the commonly used fertilizer ammonium sulfate for 6 months from January to June, ovarian growth was retarded significantly. The inhibition of the ovarian growth is reflected on the gonadosomatic index which was significantly reduced as compared with control. Apart from this, in treated fish, several stage-I oocytes exhibited proteinaceous extra- and intranuclear "inclusion bodies" which are apparently due to cumulative toxic effect of ammonium sulfate. These oocytes ultimately degenerate.