Biomarkers of immunotoxicity in fish: from the lab to the ocean.
Historically, host immunocompetence has been monitored using a battery of immune parameters. Recently, many of these same assays have been employed as biomarkers for predicting chemical-induced immunotoxicity in wildlife species. In this laboratory, assays measuring immunopathology, immune cell function, and host resistance against bacteria have been used successfully to assess immunotoxicity in laboratory-reared Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) and in feral fish populations. As an example of the latter, smallmouth bass collected from a PCB-contaminated site demonstrated significantly reduced phagocyte function and antioxidant activity compared to reference site fish. Taken together, these studies along with those from other investigators demonstrate the usefulness of immune assays as indicators to predict the toxicological risk associated with 'real-world' polluted aquatic environments.
Zelikoff
J T
JT
New York University School of Medicine, Nelson Institute of Environmental Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY, USA. judyz@env.med.nyu.edu
Raymond
A
A
Carlson
E
E
Li
Y
Y
Beaman
J R
JR
Anderson
M
M
D000818:Animals; D001492:Bass; D015415:Biomarkers; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000633:toxicity*; D007107:Immune System / Q000187:drug effects*; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000633:toxicity*; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000633:toxicity*
D015415:Biomarkers; D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls