Biomarkers of geno- and cytotoxicity in the native broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris): Chromosomal aberrations and mitotic index

Mutat Res Genet Toxicol Environ Mutagen. 2021 Jul:867:503353. doi: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2021.503353. Epub 2021 Mar 29.

Abstract

We evaluated the sensitivity of the chromosomal aberration (CA) and mitotic index (MI) assays on peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) of Caiman latirostris, following ex vivo exposure to the alkylating agent, MMS. Two concentrations of MMS were tested in cultured peripheral blood. Relative to controls, MMS exposure reduced the number of metaphases observed, but both the numbers of cells with MN and the percentages of aberrant metaphases increased. The types of CA identified were chromosome and chromatid breaks, chromosomal rearrangements, monosomies, and nullisomies, with significantly higher values in the MMS-exposed groups. The incorporation of the MI and CA tests in C. latirostris can provide information on damage caused by xenobiotic exposures.

Keywords: Chromosomal damage; Crocodile; Ex vivo assay; Sentinel species.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkylating Agents / toxicity*
  • Alligators and Crocodiles / genetics*
  • Animals
  • Biomarkers / metabolism*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Chromatids / drug effects
  • Chromatids / genetics
  • Chromosome Aberrations / drug effects*
  • Chromosomes / drug effects*
  • Chromosomes / genetics
  • Lymphocytes / drug effects
  • Micronucleus Tests / methods
  • Mitosis / drug effects*
  • Mitosis / genetics
  • Mitotic Index / methods

Substances

  • Alkylating Agents
  • Biomarkers