ultrastructural observations on the effect of the insecticide "aldrin" on some neurosecretory cells of the cerebral ganglion of the earthworm aporrectodea caliginosa

Abstract

The effect of the insecticide "Aldrin" on the neuroglia and neurosecretory cells of the earthworm Aporrectodea caliginosa was studied. The fine changes on the organdies of certain neurosecretory cells was observed by light and transmission electron microscopes. Earthworms kept in contaminated soil with 3% aldrin show a prominent degeneration of neurosecretory granules. Less degeneration was observed when 1.5% aldrin was used. This study indicates the importance of histopathological bioassay as an indicator of environmental pollution. Further studies in histopathological bioassay is needed to valuator the effects of insecticides in earthworms.