Induction of DNA strand breakage and apoptosis in the eel Anguilla anguilla.
The ability of benzo[a]pyrene, Aroclor 1254, 2-3-7-8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and beta-naphthoflavone to induce DNA strand breaks (SB) and apoptosis in erythrocytes of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) was investigated following by in vivo exposure. DNA damage was evaluated by the Comet assay, while the diffusion assay was used to investigate the induction of apoptosis 7 days after a single intraperitoneal administration. 2-3-7-8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin induced the highest genotoxic effect, followed by benzo[a]pyrene, while the other two substances had limited effects. A significant induction of apoptosis was observed at the highest doses after exposure to benzo[a]pyrene, when DNA damage was also elevated. The occurrence of apoptotic cells after exposure to Aroclor, 2-3-7-8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and beta-naphthoflavone was quite variable and did not show clear dose-related responses. The role of oxidative stress in mediating DNA damage was also discussed.
Nigro
M
M
Dipartimento Morfologia Umana e Biologia Applicata, Pisa, Italy. nigro@biomed.unipi.it
Frenzilli
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Scarcelli
V
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Gorbi
S
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Regoli
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F
D000811:Anguilla / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D013956:Antithyroid Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017209:Apoptosis; D001564:Benzo(a)pyrene / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D020111:Chlorodiphenyl (54% Chlorine) / Q000009:adverse effects*; D020552:Comet Assay; D004249:DNA Damage; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D000072317:Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019324:beta-Naphthoflavone / Q000009:adverse effects*
D013956:Antithyroid Agents; D015415:Biomarkers; D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D000072317:Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D020111:Chlorodiphenyl (54% Chlorine); D001564:Benzo(a)pyrene; D019324:beta-Naphthoflavone