Comparative micronucleated erythrocyte cell induction in three cyprinids by five carcinogenic-mutagenic chemicals

The common carp, tench and grass carp were used to study micronucleus induction in erythrocyte cells after i.p. administration, and the direct effects of five carcinogenic-mutagenic chemicals (aflatoxin B1, Aroclor 1254, benzidine, benzo(a)pyrene and 20-methylcholanthrene). Injections with distilled water and corn oil served as the two control groups. The induction rate of micronuclei in the cells of fish exposed to the test chemicals for 48 h clearly showed not only dose-response increase in micronucleus frequency compared with the control, but also a species response dependency. The fish system proved to be an excellent means to detect or investigate water-borne or internally administered pollutants.