Metabolism of PCBs by the deepwater sculpin (Myoxocephalus thompsoni).
Methylsulfonyl-PCBs (MeSO2-PCBs) are hydrophobic organic contaminants that bioaccumulate in the environment similar to their parent molecules, PCBs. Previously, MeSO2-PCBs have primarily been identified in tissues of birds, humans, and other mammals. However, evidence now supports formation of these metabolites in deepwater sculpin, Myoxocephalus thompsoni, a benthic forage fish predominant in the Great Lakes. The ability of deepwater sculpin to form MeSO2-PCBs is unprecedented for a freshwater fish species and presents a novel biochemical pathway for organochlorine metabolism. Additionally, this appears to be a unique PCB metabolic pathway resulting in a reduction of as much as 10% in the sculpin PCB burden, which is further transformed into another class of organic contaminants in the Great Lakes ecosystem.
Stapleton
H M
HM
Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, University of Maryland, Solomons 20688, USA.
Letcher
R J
RJ
Baker
J E
JE
D000818:Animals; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000378:metabolism*; D005399:Fishes / Q000378:metabolism*; D020387:Food Chain; D005618:Fresh Water; D019015:Geologic Sediments; D006114:Great Lakes Region; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*
D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls