“In vivo” Occurrence of Premature Chromosomes Condensation in Kidney Cells of Eigenmannia virescens (Pisces, Sternopygidae)

The occurrence of premature chromosome condensation (PPC) was demonstrated in cytological preparations developed in two out of five specimens of a fish, Eigenmannia virescens, 2n=38, analysed after a period they were maintained in laboratory conditions. Those specimens in which PCC occurred and tetraploid cells had come about by cell fusions were invariably infested with a ciliate protozoan, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. It is speculated that in some way the infestation of fish with this organism may cause cell fusions in the body of the hosts resulting into PCC and tetraploidy. © 1992, Japan Mendel Society, International Society of Cytology. All rights reserved.