Effect of phenanthrene on the gills of Prochilodus lineatus (Teleostei, Prochilodontidae) after subchronic exposure, with emphasis to chloride and mucous cells

Abstract

Phenanthrene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon present in petroleum and its derivatives, at low concentrations it is soluble in water and persistent in the environment. Its assimilation and absorption from water by the freshwater fish occurs mainly through the gill surface and may affect the function of the organ. The main goal of the present study is to evaluate the effect of phenanthrene on the chloride and mucous cells of the gills of Prochilodus lineatus after sub-chronic exposure to different concentrations of phenanthrene. The chloride and mucous cells will be quantified in the gill epithelium using immunohistochemistry and histochemistry, respectively. Concomitantly, the activity of the Na+/K+-ATPase enzyme will be determined in the gills and the osmolality and the ion Na+, K+ e Cl- ion concentrations will be determined in plasma to evaluate the gill function in the ionic and osmotic regulation.(AU)