Electron microscopical studies of the effects of aromatic hydrocarbons on sea urchin embryos

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Abstract
The effects of mono-, di-, and tricycfic aromatic hydrocarbons on the early development of Paracentrotus lividus were studied. In the light microscope effects were registered as inhibition of differentiation and formation of abnormal larvae with excess mesenchyme. With benzene, acridine, and aminoacridine cell separation and rapid disintegration of the embryos were observed, whereas with acridine orange the embryos developed into active larvae with a characteristic abnormal appearance. In the electron microscope weak effects were studied such as more distinct yolk granules than in the control. An increase in the number of lipid droplets was observed after treatment in phenanthrene and low concentrations of acridine orange. In the presence of acridine orange and Azur A the yolk granules appeared as more or less empty vesicles.