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Exocrine pancreatic carcinogenesis in the guppy Poecilia reticulata
John W Fourni1, William E Hawkins
1US Environmental Protection Agency, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Gulf Ecology Division, 1 Sabine Island Drive, Gulf Breeze, Florida 32561, USA. fournie.john@epa.gov
Abstract:
Exocrine pancreatic neoplasms developed in the guppy Poecilia reticulata following exposure to the direct-acting carcinogen methylazoxymethanol acetate (MAM-Ac). Fish 6 to 10 d old were exposed to nominal, non-toxic concentrations of 4 and 10 mg MAM-Ac l(-1) for 2 h and then transferred to carcinogen-free water for grow-out. Whole specimens were sampled monthly up to 9 mo post-exposure to follow the histologic progression of the lesions. No neoplasms occurred in 119 control specimens examined. Pancreatic acinar cell adenomas and carcinomas occurred in 42 of 243 (17%) of the specimens exposed to MAM-Ac. As in earlier studies, specimens exposed to the low MAM-Ac concentration exhibited a higher pancreatic neoplasm incidence (27.8%) than those exposed to the high concentration (7.8%). Acinar cell adenomas accounted for 27 of the 42 neoplasms. Adenomas exhibited a high degree of acinar cell differentiation and some contained foci of atypical acinar cells that were less differentiated and more basophilic than were surrounding adenoma cells. Carcinomas occurred in 15 specimens and exhibited a range of cellular patterns. Although no distant metastases were found, carcinomas tended to invade neighboring tissues and organs. The occurrence of carcinogen-induced pancreatic neoplasms in guppies strengthens the usefulness of small fish species in carcinogen testing and provides an additional model for studying pancreatic neoplasia.
Insights
Methylazoxymethanol acetate (MAM-Ac) exposure induced pancreatic neoplasms in guppies. This study highlights the utility of small fish models for carcinogen testing and pancreatic cancer research.
Area of Science:
- Comparative oncology
- Aquatic toxicology
- Carcinogenesis research
Background:
- The guppy (Poecilia reticulata) is a small fish species increasingly utilized in toxicological studies.
- Investigating carcinogen-induced neoplasms in aquatic models provides insights into cancer development and progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the development of exocrine pancreatic neoplasms in guppies following exposure to methylazoxymethanol acetate (MAM-Ac).
- To evaluate the dose-dependent effects of MAM-Ac on pancreatic neoplasm incidence and progression.
- To establish the guppy as a model for studying pancreatic neoplasia.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of juvenile guppies (6-10 days old) to two concentrations of MAM-Ac (4 and 10 mg/L) for 2 hours.
- Histologic examination of pancreatic tissues monthly for up to 9 months post-exposure.
- Comparison of neoplasm incidence between exposed groups and a control group (n=119).
Main Results:
- Pancreatic acinar cell adenomas and carcinomas developed in 17% (42/243) of MAM-Ac exposed guppies; no neoplasms were observed in controls.
- Lower MAM-Ac concentration (4 mg/L) resulted in a higher neoplasm incidence (27.8%) compared to higher concentration (7.8%).
- Adenomas were well-differentiated, while carcinomas showed invasion of neighboring tissues without distant metastasis.
Conclusions:
- Carcinogen-induced pancreatic neoplasms were successfully generated in guppies using MAM-Ac.
- The guppy model is effective for studying pancreatic neoplasia and evaluating carcinogens.
- Findings support the use of small fish species in carcinogen testing and cancer research.
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