Morphological and histochemical changes caused by sodium dodecyl sulphate in the gills of giltheads (Sparus aurata, L.).

An investigation was made into the biological effects of the anionic detergent sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), on the gills of giltheads (Sparus aurata, L.). The fish were exposed to concentrations of 5, 8.5, 10 and 15 mg/l SDS. The surface tension acquired at each concentration was determined and the LC50 calculated. Serious morphological damage to the gills and changes in protein and carbohydrate molecules (demonstrated by histochemical techniques) were observed. The degree of these alterations was dependent upon the SDS concentration and the length of time of exposure. It is suggested that changes in the gills lead to respiratory dysfunction and that this may be one of the major causes of death.