title: Laser ablation ICP-MS Co-localization of mercury and immune response in fish.
abstract: Mercury (Hg) contamination is a global issue with implications for both ecosystem and human health. In this study, we use a new approach to link Hg exposure to health effects in spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus) from Caddo Lake (TX/LA). Previous field studies have reported elevated incidences of macrophage centers in liver, kidney, and spleen of fish with high concentrations of Hg. Macrophage centers are aggregates of specialized white blood cells that form as an immune response to tissue damage, and are considered a general biomarker of contaminant toxicity. We found elevated incidences of macrophage centers in liver of spotted gar and used a new technology for ecotoxicology studies, laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), to colocalize aggregates and Hg deposits within the tissue architecture. We conclude that Hg compromises the health of spotted gar in our study and, perhaps, other fish exposed to elevated concentrations of Hg.
authors: Department of Biological Sciences & Institute of Applied Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76203, USA.
authors: Benjamin D
authors: BD
authors: Barst
authors: Amanda K
authors: AK
authors: Gevertz
authors: Matthew M
authors: MM
authors: Chumchal
authors: James D
authors: JD
authors: Smith
authors: Thomas R
authors: TR
authors: Rainwater
authors: Paul E
authors: PE
authors: Drevnick
authors: Karista E
authors: KE
authors: Hudelson
authors: Aaron
authors: A
authors: Hart
authors: Guido F
authors: GF
authors: Verbeck
authors: Aaron P
authors: AP
authors: Roberts
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D005399:Fishes / Q000378:metabolism*; D060106:Lakes; D013058:Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods*; D008628:Mercury / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D008628:Mercury