Flow cytometry, morphometry and histopathology as biomarkers of benzo[a]pyrene exposure in brown bullheads (ameiurus nebulosus)

Journal of Applied Toxicology
By: , and 

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Abstract

Brown bullheads were given a single intraperitoneal dose of 0, 5, 25 or 125 mg kg−1 benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), a carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, and evaluated over 18 months. Flow cytometric analyses of hepatocyte DNA content indicated an increase in DNA synthesis in BaP-exposed fish prior to day 14 post-exposure. Thereafter, all flow cytometric variables returned to initial levels. Histopathological evaluation of livers from fish sampled at 18 months revealed significant differences among treatments in the amount of hepatic macrophage ceroid pigmentation and basophilic staining intensity. No neoplasms or changes in blood cell DNA content were detected. Significant morphometric variations existed among fish, but differences between sexes overshadowed differences attributable to dose. Flow cytometry yielded no evidence of long-term DNA alterations from a single exposure to BaP; however, the differences detected by DNA analysis shortly after the toxic event suggest that flow cytometric cell cycle analysis may be useful for documenting continuing exposures.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Flow cytometry, morphometry and histopathology as biomarkers of benzo[a]pyrene exposure in brown bullheads (ameiurus nebulosus)
Series title Journal of Applied Toxicology
DOI 10.1002/jat.2550120304
Volume 12
Issue 3
Year Published 1992
Language English
Publisher Wiley
Contributing office(s) Columbia Environmental Research Center
Description 13 p.
First page 165
Last page 177
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