Effects of a sublethal concentration of sodium lauryl sulphate on the morphology and Na+/K+ ATPase activity in the gill of the ornate wrasse (Thalassoma pavo)

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2008 Oct;71(2):436-45. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2007.09.010. Epub 2007 Nov 19.

Abstract

We analysed the morphology and ultrastructure of the gill apparatus of the ornate wrasse, Thalassoma pavo, under normal conditions and after exposure to a sublethal concentration of sodium lauryl sulphate (3.5 mg/l, which is one-third of the 96LC99 value). To identify the biochemical mechanisms affected by this pollutant, we evaluated and compared the localisation of Na(+)/K(+) ATPase in normal and experimental conditions. Immunocytochemical analysis revealed that this enzyme was active in the chloride cells (CCs), which were distributed in clusters in the interlamellar region of the filament. Ultrastructural analysis revealed conspicuous alterations on the epithelium after 96 and 192 h of exposure to sodium lauryl sulphate: structural features of the surface cells were lost, the appearance of intercellular lacunae changed, and cellular degeneration occurred. Statistical analysis comparing the number and dimensions of CCs in normal conditions and after 96 h of exposure showed that the CC area decreased after exposure to the detergent.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Epithelial Cells / drug effects
  • Gills / drug effects*
  • Gills / enzymology*
  • Gills / ultrastructure
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Perciformes / metabolism*
  • Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate / toxicity*
  • Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase / metabolism*
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / toxicity

Substances

  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate
  • Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase