Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
4
Molecular and Histocytological Biomarkers
Jean-Claude Amiard and Claude Amiard-Triquet
CONTENTS
4.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 75
4.2 Molecular Biomarkers ......................................................................................................... 76
4.2.1 Cortisol ...................................................................................................................... 76
4.2.2 Oxidative Stress and Lipid Peroxidation .............................................................. 78
4.2.3 Markers of Genotoxicity ......................................................................................... 79
4.2.4 Cholinesterases ........................................................................................................ 79
4.2.4.1 AChE Activity Changes Induced by Laboratory or Field Exposure ..... 79
4.2.4.2 Linking Neurotoxic Effects and Behavioral Impairments .................. 85
4.2.4.3 Linking AChE Activity Inhibition and Population Effects ................ 85
4.2.5 Retinol........................................................................................................................ 86
4.2.6 δ-Amino Levulinic Acid Dehydratase .................................................................. 88
4.3 Histocytological Biomarkers .............................................................................................. 88
4.3.1 Responses to Organic Contaminants .................................................................... 90
4.3.2 Responses to Metal Contamination ...................................................................... 91
4.3.3 Responses to Nanoparticles ................................................................................... 92
4.3.4 Responses to Mixed Contamination ..................................................................... 92
4.3.4.1 Marine and Brackish Environments ...................................................... 93
4.3.4.2 Freshwater Environments ........................................................................ 94
4.4 Conclusions ........................................................................................................................... 95
Acknowledgment .......................................................................................................................... 98
References ....................................................................................................................................... 98
4.1 Introduction
By addressing biomarkers of damage (de Lafontaine et al. 2000), we reach a new stage in
the ecotoxicology triad of exposure—bioaccumulation—effect. Exposure and bioaccumu-
lation are actually far from always inducing toxic effects since various mechanisms allow
organisms to cope with the presence of contaminants in their medium, at least so long as
the degree of exposure remains moderate (cf. Chapter 3).
Currently, linking damage at infra-individual and individual levels to population-level
effects potentially leading to local extinction is a major aim of ecotoxicological research.
Indeed, impairments are frequently observed at the level of the individual organism, but
only some specimens may be affected or these impairments are only transitional and the
individual can recover totally or at least enough to be able to reproduce.
75
 
Search WWH ::




Custom Search