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Erod measurement using post mitochondrial supernatant (pms) in roach (Rutilus rutilus L.), a possible biomonitor for

D B O'Hare1, P W Robotham, R Gill

  • 1School of Environmental and Applied Sciences, Department of Biology, University of Derby, U.K.

Chemosphere
|January 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Hepatic post-mitochondrial supernatant (pms) from beta-naphthoflavone-treated roach shows potential as a biomonitor for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination. While less active than microsomes, roach pms offers a convenient method for environmental monitoring.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental toxicology
  • Biochemistry
  • Aquatic ecotoxicology

Background:

  • Cytochrome P450 enzymes, particularly monooxygenases, are crucial for metabolizing environmental contaminants.
  • Beta-naphthoflavone is a known inducer of these enzymes.
  • Roach (Rutilus rutilus) are widespread freshwater fish, often exposed to pollutants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the utility of hepatic post-mitochondrial supernatant (pms) from roach as a source of monooxygenase activity.
  • To assess the potential of roach pms for biomonitoring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination.

Main Methods:

  • Intraperitoneal injection of beta-naphthoflavone into roach.
  • Preparation of hepatic post-mitochondrial supernatant (pms) and microsomes.
  • Assay of Ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activity.
  • Evaluation of dicumarol's effect on EROD measurements.

Main Results:

  • Hepatic pms exhibited lower monooxygenase activity (threefold less) compared to microsomes, despite similar induction levels (ninefold).
  • Dicumarol did not affect EROD measurements using pms.
  • EROD induction in roach peaked 2-4 days after beta-naphthoflavone administration.

Conclusions:

  • Roach hepatic pms can be used to measure EROD activity, reflecting monooxygenase induction.
  • The sensitivity and timing of EROD induction in roach suggest their hepatic pms is a viable biomonitor for PAH pollution.
  • Further field studies are recommended to validate roach pms as an environmental biomonitoring tool.

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