Effect of mercuric chloride on embryonic development of the frog Microhyla ornata
Ghate, H.V.; Mulherkar, L.
Indian Journal of Experimental Biology 18(10): 1094-1096
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5189 PMID: 6452406 Document Number: 168271
Frog embryos and tadpoles are used to evaluate the effects of aquatic pollutants. Developing embryos and tadpoles of M. ornata were treated with 50-300 .mu.g/l of HgCl2. Treatment of the embryos was carried out from early gastrula onwards for 96 h. Embryotoxicity and morphological changes due to treatment of mercury were studied. HgCl2 at > 300 .mu.g/l inhibited development completely and was lethal in a short period. Concentrations between 50-250 .mu.g/l were not lethal for a 72-96 h, but retarded growth and caused various abnormalities. Abnormalities included curvature of the body axis, blisters on the body and general distension of the body cavities in tadpoles. Tadpoles exposed to Hg showed loss of balance and distended body cavities.