Effects of well known carcinogenic polyaromatic hydrocarbons absorbed withdiet on three species of locusts

In a first approach to studying the effects of air pollutants, we describe some experimental results obtained after ingestion of polyaromatic hydrocar bons (HAP)* by three species of locusts (Gomphocerus sibiricus, Gomphocerus rufus and Euchorthippus pulvinatus). We wanted to evaluate their toxicity, then to locate them in the organism. Two HAP, carcinogenic for mammals, we re used. They are highly toxic for our locusts. Ingestion of 0.015 or 0.06 mg of 3 methylcholanthrene kills respectively 25% and 50% of them. Moreover , benzo-a-pyrene seems to have a greater toxicity, and E. pulvinatus is the most resistant species. Strongly fluorescent in UV light, 3 MC and BaP can be easily detected in the organism after dissection, and with more detail using frozen material. The microscope shows absorption activity of midgut; most of the organs are consequently invaded by intact hydrocarbon or its va rious derivatives. Muscles and reproductive organs show a bright fluorescen ce, which reaches its maximum in the nervous system. Tubes of Malpighi seem to be the principal route of elimination of these products. The remarkable susceptibility of some organs is encouraging for the progress of our study . (C) Elsevier, Paris.