The Effects of JP-4 Aviation Fuel on Selected Organs of the Fat-Head Minnow, Pimephales Promelus: A Cytochemical and Ultrastructural Investigation

摘要

The primary objective of this investigation was to determine the acute ultrastructural effects of the water-soluble components of JP-4 aviation fuel on selected organs of the fat-head minnow, Pimephales promelus at the 20 and 60 percent concentration levels. The gill, pseudobranch, kidney and nasal mucosa from fish exposed to the fuel for 2, 12, 24 to 48 hours hours were excised and examined. Ultrastructural lesions were noted among all the organs analyzed with severity and intensity increasing as a function of both concentration of the fuel and duration of exposure. The alterations were manifested in the forms of cellular degradation, proliferation of membrane and non-membrane bound vacuoles, distortions of plasma membranes and a disruption of the structured association of cellular organelles. The integrity of plasma membranes directly contacting the fuel was maintained. Analysis of ruthenium red binding sites indicated that mucopolysaccharides adhere to surface epithelial cells of the nasal mucosa and gill throughout the duration of the experiment. (Author)