Jet fuels such as JP-4 can be introduced into the environment and come in contact with aquatic biota in several ways. Studies in this laboratory have demonstrated JP-4 toxicity to fish. Benzene is the major constituent of the water soluble fraction of JP-4. The normal surface morphology of bluegill olfactory lamellae was examined in conjunction with electrophysiology experiments. There was no information regarding the ultrastructural and physiological responses of the olfactory epithelium of bluegills to acute benzene exposure.The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of benzene on the surface morphology of the nasal rosettes of the bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus). Bluegills were exposed to a sublethal concentration of 7.7±0.2ppm (+S.E.M.) benzene for five, ten or fourteen days. Nasal rosettes were fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde and 2.0% paraformaldehyde in 0.1M cacodylate buffer (pH 7.4) containing 1.25mM calcium chloride. Specimens were processed for scanning electron microscopy.
