Toxicity of fatty acid 18:5n3 from Gymnodinium cf. mikimotoi: I. Morphological and biochemical aspects on Dicentrarchus labrax gills and intestine.

ABSTRACT

We present evidence for the toxic effects of fatty acid 185n3 (octadecapentaenoic acid) in the gills and intestine of the sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax. Light microscopic observation of gills showed strong mucus production and alteration of ionocytes. The Mg- and Na,K-ATPase activities were inhibited, with IC50 values of 10(-3) and 1.6 x 10(-4) M, respectively. Results are discussed in relation to osmoregulation.