Toxicity of 0.3 ppm (96 h LC50 value) and 0.03 ppm of mercuric chloride on the melanophores of the skin at different time intervals has been studied. Mercury treatment causes immediate increase in the number and size of the pigment cells. Subsequently these pigment cells form a dense matting of melanophore network with their cell processes intellacing with those of their neighbours. These cells later show degeneration and lysis releasing large quantity of pigment granules into the intercellular spaces in the dermis.Later the pigment cells regenerate several times each followed by degeneration in a cyclic manner. Prolonged treatment with subletha. concentration of mercuric chloride does not show significant alteration in the melanophore density and size. Statistical analysis and wide spread destruction of melanophores observed during 4-6 days of exPosure might help in testing water samples contaminated with lethal concentration of heavy metal
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