Histological and electron microscopical observations on the effects of lead on gills and midgut gland ofProcambarus clarkii

Adult intermolt specimen of Procambarus clarkii (Crustacea, Decapoda) have been treated for 96 hours in aquaria with 100mg/l of lead. The gills and midgut gland were processed and studied in the electron microscope. The gill filament shows important changes in the ultrastructure of the epithelial cells and the cuticle. The hepatopancreatic cells studied (i.e. the vacuolated and dark cells) do not show noticeable structural changes but accumulate lead (electrondense precipitates) mainly in lysosomes.