Effect of UV-B radiation on goblet cells in the skin of different fish species

The number of goblet cells (mucus secreting cells) in the dorsal epidermis of two cyprinids (Phoxinus phoxinus and Chalcalburnus chalcoides) and two salmonids (Oncorhynchus mykiss and Salvelinus alpinus) was significantly reduced by both artificial and solar UV-B radiation. On the ventral, not directly exposed side, however, goblet cells remained unaffected. A similar pattern was found in a natural population from a clear, high mountain lake. The lower number of goblet cells may result in less mucus production and, in consequence, a reduction in the non-specific defences. UV-A radiation did not affect epithelial goblet cells. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.