The effect of Zn on the digestive gland epithelium of Porcellio scaber (Isopoda, Crustacea).

The effect of zinc (Zn)-contaminated food on the shape of digestive gland epithelium was studied in the terrestrial isopod, Porcellio scaber. In animals fed with 5,000 micrograms Zn g-1 dry wt. of food, the epithelium was flattened in the anterior part of the gland tube. In the posterior part of the gland tube, the shape and size of cells did not change drastically, but they had folded apical surface. In animals fed with more Zn-contaminated food (10,000 micrograms Zn g-1 dry wt.) the epithelium was uniformly flattened and the basal lamina was intensively folded. In both cases, reduction of lipid bodies was evident. The possibility of using the shape of the gland epithelium as a biomarker of toxic chemicals is discussed.