A histochemical study of the biological effects of sodium dodecyl sulfate on the intestine of the gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata L.

This paper reports the morphological and histochemical changes caused by acute action of the detergent sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) on the intestine of the gilthead (Sparus aurata L.). Sixty-five giltheads were exposed to SDS concentrations of 5, 8.5, 10, and 15 mg/liter. Surface tensions were determined and the LC50 values calculated. The effects of SDS on the intestine were more pronounced in those specimens exposed to higher concentrations and for longer periods. Three causes of death were determined: (i) decrease in surface tension, (ii) destruction of tissue, and (iii) alteration of biomacromolecules. Both (ii) and (iii) were determined by histochemical techniques.