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Fisheries Science of Ukraine, 2026; 2(76): 171-191
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61976/fsu2026.02.171
UDC 619:611.37:611-073.7:636.7

Received: 11.04.2026
Received in revised form: 19.05.2026
Published: 30.06.2026

Morphopathology of the spleen and heart of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca Linnaeus, 1758) under the conditions of excessive iron concentrations

O. Koziy, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , ORCID ID 0000-0002-0064-4637, Kherson Agrarian and Economic University, Kherson

Purpose. To assess the impact of high iron concentrations on the spleen and heart of pikeperch based on histological analysis. To establish the pecularities of changes in individual tissues and assess the physiological state of fish. To determine the possibility of using data in morphological studies of fish under conditions of technogenic load on the water bodies.

Methodology. The primary materials were obtained in the spring of 2026 in the Strypa and Southern Bug rivers. Chemical analysis of water and in-house processing of histological samples were performed in the conditions of the Expert Center for Diagnostics and Laboratory Support “Biolights” (Ternopil). The obtained results were processed using the computer programs MICAM, Microsoft Office Picture Manager, FS Viewer.

Findings. Comparative microscopic studies of the spleen and heart of pikeperch showed that negative changes occured in the organs in transformed conditions of existence. The possibility of conditionally considering individual components of the organs as bioindication zones has been determined. With prolonged exposure of individuals to chemical stress, the reaction of the spleen parenchyma was manifested as a shift in the volume balance of the pulp towards an increase in the proportion of the white fraction (by 39%). A decrease in the volume of melanomacrophage centers and changes in the composition of their cellular inclusions were recorded. In severe cases, depletion of the white pulp and the disappearance of melanomacrophage centers were observed. Sharp hemostasis and focal necrosis were detected in the organ parenchyma (29% of the total volume of the parenchyma). The reaction of the fish heart to an excess of iron in water was manifested as an impairment of hemodynamics in the trabecular myocardium. Edema of connective tissue and vascular stasis in the epicardium occurred against the background of an inflammatory reaction. In iron poisoning, cardiomyocytes of the dense fraction were vacuolated, which can be considered as a result of an impairment of electrolyte homeostasis. In the early stages, the vacuoles were small and the pathology was reversible. In the prognosis, large-vacuole dystrophy led to cardiomyocyte fibrilization and their death.

Originality. New and supplemented existing ideas on the reaction of individual fish organs under conditions of exposure to above-permissible concentrations of iron are presented. Microstructural analysis of the spleen and heart of pikeperch was first detailed using the volumetric reconstruction method. The supplemented information demonstrates the phasing of tissue reactions that form the adaptive capabilities of the organism under conditions of technogenic loads.

Practical Value. The material is valuable in morphophysiological studies as well as ichthyological and ecological practice, which is in demand due to the existing problem of reducing the vital potential of fishing and aquaculture facilities.

Keywords: water area, iron, spleen, pulp, heart, myocardium, pathology, adaptation.

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