Abstract
An examination of the occurrence and distribution of phthalate esters in the alimentary canal of a polyhybrid of Tilapia gave evidence of different and selective patterns of distribution in the organ tissues: the phthalate esters were shown to be concentrated in the stomach and anterior intestine. The restricted distribution of phthalate esters can have implications for the physiology of the digestive system. The phthalates, stored in the oxyntic cells of the gastric tubular glands, probably interfere with the digestive process. The strategic location of the enterocytes in the anterior intestine implies that they can hamper the reabsorption of digestion products. The endocrine disrupting effects known for these chemicals are probably related to the absorption of them via the alimentary canal.