Impact of Caspian Sea pollution on the physiological state of sturgeons

Summarized data of long-term investigations into the physiological state of sturgeons during the marine and river periods of their life cycle are presented. The impact of the Caspian Sea pollution on their physiological status during the period of acute and chronic exposure to toxic contaminants is described. Changes and disturbances which occur in the morphological structure of the liver and muscular tissue, metabolic processes that provide constant internal medium and function, enzyme activity of energy metabolism are shown. Consequences of functional and morphological disturbances in sturgeons, including the impact on their reproductive potential, are discussed.