Age-Related Variations in the Histochemical Profile of Hepatic Tissues in Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Abstract

This study investigated the histochemical distribution of total proteins and glycogen in the liver of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) concerning age and sex. Twenty specimens were collected from the Tigris River and catego rized into two age groups (3 and 6 months). Liver sections were processed histologically and stained with Mer curic Bromophenol Blue (BPB) for proteins and Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) for glycogen. Quantitative analysis was performed using imagej software. Results revealed that adult fish exhibited significantly higher concentra tions of both proteins and glycogen compared to juveniles, indicating enhanced metabolic capacity with maturi ty. Furthermore, females showed markedly greater reserves than males, particularly in the adult group, which is attributed to the energy-intensive process of vitellogenesis. The findings confirm that hepatic metabolic storage in C. Carpio is a dynamic process regulated by developmental stages and reproductive demands.