Abstract
Morphological alterations of the gill lamellae caused by heavy metal exposure are well known. However, the metal profiles in the gill lamellae have poorly understood. In this study, we attempted to determine the precise distribution of copper in the gill lamellae of the Carassius auratus langsdorfii exposed to copper chloride by microbeam scanning particle induced X-ray emission（micro-PIXE）analysis. Essential trace elements, such as iron and zinc in the gill lamellae were also determined and their distribution was compared with that of copper. Exposure of the fishes to copper chloride resulted in a marked alteration in the gill lamellae; the gill filaments on the gill lamellae were clubbing. Micro-PIXE analysis revealed a site-specific distribution of copper corresponding to the alterations. Copper was found to be high in the periphery of the gill lamellae, and low in the blood vessel and the tissues surrounding the blood vessel. The profiles of copper and the essential trace elements were complementary distribution.
