The role of development and duration of exposure to the embryotoxicity of diazinon

A systematic review of the evaluation of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in the Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) fish

Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) is an acceptable small laboratory fish model for the evaluation and assessment of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) found in the environment. In this research, we used this fish as a potential tool for the identification of EDCs that have a significant impact on human health. We conducted an electronic search in PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed) and Google Scholar (https://scholar.google.com/) using the search terms, Japanese medaka, Oryzias latipes, and endocrine disruptions, and sorted 205 articles consisting of 128 chemicals that showed potential effects on estrogen-androgen-thyroid-steroidogenesis (EATS) pathways of Japanese medaka. From these chemicals, 14 compounds, namely, 17β-estradiol (E2), ethinylestradiol (EE2), tamoxifen (TAM), 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT), 17β-trenbolone (TRB), flutamide (FLU), vinclozolin (VIN), triiodothyronine (T3), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), terephthalic acid (TPA), trifloxystrobin (TRF), ketoconazole (KTC), and prochloraz (PCZ), were selected as references and used for the identification of apical endpoints within the EATS modalities. Among these endpoints, during classification, priorities are given to sex reversal (masculinization of females and feminization of males), gonad histology (testis-ova or ovotestis), secondary sex characteristics (anal fin papillae of males), plasma and liver vitellogenin (VTG) contents in males, swim bladder inflation during larval development, hepatic vitellogenin (vtg) and choriogenin (chg) genes in the liver of males, and several genes, including estrogen-androgen-thyroid receptors in the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad/thyroid axis (HPG/T). After reviewing 205 articles, we identified 108 (52.68%), 46 (22.43%), 19 (9.26%), 22 (17.18%), and 26 (12.68%) papers that represented studies on estrogen endocrine disruptors (EEDs), androgen endocrine disruptors (AEDs), thyroid endocrine disruptors (TEDs), and/or steroidogenesis modulators (MOS), respectively. Most importantly, among 128 EDCs, 32 (25%), 22 (17.18%), 15 (11.8%), and 14 (10.93%) chemicals were classified as EEDs, AEDs, TEDs, and MOS, respectively. We also identified 43 (33.59%) chemicals as high-priority candidates for tier 2 tests, and 13 chemicals (10.15%) show enough potential to be considered EDCs without any further tier-based studies. Although our literature search was unable to identify the EATS targets of 45 chemicals (35%) studied in 60 (29.26%) of the 205 articles, our approach has sufficient potential to further move the laboratory-based research data on Japanese medaka for applications in regulatory risk assessments in humans.

Ecotoxicity of Diazinon and Atrazine Mixtures after Ozonation Catalyzed by Na+ and Fe2+ Exchanged Montmorillonites on Lemna minor

The toxicity of two pesticides, diazinon (DAZ) and atrazine (ATR), before and after montmorillonite-catalyzed ozonation was comparatively investigated on the duckweed Lemna minor. The results allowed demonstrating the role of clay-containing media in the evolution in time of pesticide negative impact on L. minor plants. Pesticides conversion exceeded 94% after 30 min of ozonation in the presence of both Na+ and Fe2+ exchanged montmorillonites. Toxicity testing using L. minor permitted us to evaluate the change in pesticide ecotoxicity. The plant growth inhibition involved excessive oxidative stress depending on the pesticide concentration, molecular structure, and degradation degree. Pesticide adsorption and/or conversion by ozonation on clay surfaces significantly reduced the toxicity towards L. minor plants, more particularly in the presence of Fe(II)-exchanged montmorillonite. The results showed a strong correlation between the pesticide toxicity towards L. minor and the level of reactive oxygen species, which was found to depend on the catalytic activity of the clay minerals, pesticide exposure time to ozone, and formation of harmful derivatives. These findings open promising prospects for developing a method to monitor pesticide ecotoxicity according to clay-containing host-media and exposure time to ambient factors.

Neurodevelopmental Toxicity of Emamectin Benzoate to the Early Life Stage of Zebrafish Larvae (Danio rerio)

Emamectin benzoate (EMB) is a widely used pesticide and feed additive in agriculture and aquaculture. It easily enters the aquatic environment through various pathways, thus causing adverse effects on aquatic organisms. However, there are no systematic studies regarding the effects of EMB on the developmental neurotoxicity of aquatic organisms. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the neurotoxic effects and mechanisms of EMB at different concentrations (0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 8 μg/mL) using zebrafish as a model. The results showed that EMB significantly inhibited the hatching rate, spontaneous movement, body length, and swim bladder development of zebrafish embryos, as well as significantly increased the malformation rate of zebrafish larvae. In addition, EMB adversely affected the axon length of motor neurons in Tg (hb9: eGFP) zebrafish and central nervous system (CNS) neurons in Tg (HuC: eGFP) zebrafish and significantly inhibited the locomotor behavior of zebrafish larvae. Meanwhile, EMB induced oxidative damage and was accompanied by increasing reactive oxygen species in the brains of zebrafish larvae. In addition, gene expression involvement in oxidative stress-related (cat, sod and Cu/Zn-sod), GABA neural pathway-related (gat1, gabra1, gad1b, abat and glsa), neurodevelopmental-related (syn2a, gfap, elavl3, shha, gap43 and Nrd) and swim bladder development-related (foxa3, pbxla, mnx1, has2 and elovlla) genes was significantly affected by EMB exposure. In conclusion, our study shows that exposure to EMB during the early life stages of zebrafish significantly increases oxidative damage and inhibits early central neuronal development, motor neuron axon growth and swim bladder development, ultimately leading to neurobehavioral changes in juvenile zebrafish.

The Effect of Resistance Training and Berberine Chloride on the Apoptosis-related Unfolded Protein Response Signaling Pathway in the Hippocampus of Diazinon-poisoned Rats

Introduction:

Diazinon is one of the most widely-used organophosphate pesticides in the world. This toxin enters the body in various ways and induces oxidative stress in various tissues. It has been proved that activation of Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) under oxidative stress is a steady mechanism for maintaining cell function and survival. Therefore, the present study aimed to review the effect of Resistance Training (RT) and Berberine Chloride (BC) on the apoptosis-related UPR signaling pathway in the hippocampus of diazinon-poisoned rats.

Methods:

In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats weighing 250 ±50 g were randomly divided into eight groups of five rats of 1) diazinon + 2 mg/kg BC + RT, 2) diazinon + 15 mg/kg BC + RT, 3) diazinon, 4) diazinon + RT, 5) diazinon + 2 mg/kg BC, 6) diazinon + 15 mg/kg BC, 7) healthy control, and 8) sham. The groups were treated for 5 weeks. At the end of the fifth week, ATF-4, ATF-6, and CHOP gene expression in hippocampus tissue were measured by quantitative real-time RT-PCR.

Results:

Diazinon significantly increased the expression of ATF-4, ATF-6, and CHOP in the hippocampus tissue of rats. Administrating 15 mg/kg BC with RT significantly decreased these genes, indicating a decrease in the rate of apoptosis in the hippocampus.

Conclusion:

This study showed that RT and BC have a protective effect against diazinon-induced toxicity in the hippocampus.

Teratological effects of pesticides in vertebrates: a review

In the last decades, the use and misuse of pesticides in the agriculture have increased, having a severe impact on ecosystems and their fauna. Although the various effects of pesticides on biodiversity have been already documented in several studies, to our knowledge no consistent overview of the impact of pesticides in vertebrates, both terrestrial and aquatic, is available. In this review, we try to present a concise compilation of the teratogenic effects of pesticides on the different classes of vertebrates - mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish.

Polluted water from an urban reservoir (Madín dam, México) induces toxicity and oxidative stress in Cyprinus carpio embryos

The Madín Dam is a reservoir located in the municipalities of Naucalpan and Atizapán, in the metropolitan area adjacent to Mexico City. The reservoir supplies drinking water to nearby communities and provides an area for various recreational activities, including kayaking, sailing and carp fishing. Over time, the number of specimens of common carp has notably diminished in the reservoir, which receives direct domestic drainage from two towns as well as numerous neighborhoods along the Tlalnepantla River. Diverse studies have demonstrated that the pollutants in the water of the reservoir produce oxidative stress, genotoxicity and cytotoxicity in juvenile Cyprinus carpio, possibly explaining the reduction in the population of this species; however, it is necessary to assess whether these effects may also be occurring directly in the embryos. Hence, surface water samples were taken at five sites and pharmaceutical drugs, personal care products (especially sunscreens), organophosphate and organochlorine pesticides, and other persistent organic pollutants (e.g., polychlorinated biphenyls and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) were identified. Embryos of C. carpio were exposed to the water samples to evaluate embryolethality, modifications in embryonic development, lipoperoxidation, the quantity of hydroperoxide and oxidized proteins, and antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase). It was found that the polluted water of the Madín Dam gave rise to embryolethality, embryotoxicity, congenital abnormalities, and oxidative stress on the common carp embryos.

The case for thyroid disruption in early life stage exposures to thiram in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Thiram, a pesticide in the dithiocarbamate chemical family, is widely used to prevent fungal disease in seeds and crops. Its off-site movement to surface waters occurs and may place aquatic organisms at potential harm. Zebrafish embryos were used for investigation of acute (1 h) thiram exposure (0.001-10 µM) at various developmental stages. Survival decreased at 1 µM and 10 µM and hatching was delayed at 0.1 µM and 1 µM. Notochord curvatures were seen at 0.1 and 1 μM thiram when exposure was initiated at 2 and at 10 hpf. Similar notochord curvatures followed exposure to the known TPO inhibitor, methimazole (MMI). Changes were absent in embryos exposed at later stages, i.e., 12 hpf. In embryos exposed to 0.1 or 1 μM at 10 hpf, levels of the thyroid enzyme, Deiodinase 3, increased by 12 hpf. Thyroid peroxide (TPO), important in T4 synthesis, decreased by 48 hpf in embryos exposed to 1 µM at 10 hpf. Thiram toxicity was stage-dependent and early life stage exposure may be responsible for adverse effects seen later. These effects may be due to impacts on the thyroid via regulation of specific thyroid genes including TPO and Deiodinase 3.

High-dose acute exposure of paraquat induces injuries of swim bladder, gastrointestinal tract and liver via neutrophil-mediated ROS in zebrafish and their relevance for human health risk assessment

The exact toxicological mechanisms of paraquat (PQ) poisoning are not entirely clear, especially on the high-level acute exposure. To assess the health risk of PQ, especially to suicidal individuals, accidental ingestion eaters, occupational groups, and special multitude, firstly we explored the acute toxic effect and the possible mechanisms of high-level exposure of PQ using zebrafish. The mainly target organs of PQ were swim bladder which is the homolog of the mammalian lung, followed by gastrointestinal tract and liver. Morphological malformations which were further defined by histopathologic examination include smaller size, fibrosis and inflammatory cell invasion for swim bladder; irregularly arranged or dissolved epithelial folds, loss of villous architecture, and ecclasis of mucosal cells in a smaller lumen for gastrointestinal tract; as well as smaller size, degeneration, fibrous proliferation, atrophy for liver. In addition, PQ enhanced leukocyte recruitment (neutrophil migrated first, followed by macrophage) into swim bladder and induced ROS which can be scavenged by glutathione. Moreover, qRT-PCR results showed that PQ increased the expression level of genes involved in the inflammatory response, such as L-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, TNF-β, IFN-1, TGF-β, and NF-kB. For the first time, our results demonstrated that acute exposure of PQ induced pulmonary toxicity which was followed by gastrointestinal and hepatic toxicity via neutrophil-mediated ROS in zebrafish. In summary, these findings generated here will contribute to our better understanding of characteristics of PQ acute poisoning and can provide valuable information on better PQ poisoning treatments, occupational disease prevention, and providing theoretical foundation for risk management measures.

Differential uptake of and sensitivity to diphenhydramine in embryonic and larval zebrafish

The zebrafish fish embryo toxicity (FET) test is increasingly employed for alternative toxicity studies, yet our previous research identified increased sensitivity of zebrafish slightly older than embryos employed in FET methods (0-4 d postfertilization [dpf]). We identified rapid steady-state accumulation of diphenhydramine across zebrafish embryo and larval stages. However, significantly (p < 0.05) lower accumulation was observed at 48 h compared to 96 h in chorionated and dechorionated embryos (0-4 dpf), but not in zebrafish at 7 to 11 and 14 to 18 dpf. Increased uptake and toxicity of diphenhydramine was further observed in zebrafish at 7 to 11 and 14 to 18 dpf compared with 0-4 dpf embryos with chorion or dechorionated, which indicates that differential zebrafish sensitivity with age is associated with accumulation resulting from gill and other toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic changes during development. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1175-1181. © 2017 SETAC.

Toward the Design of Less Hazardous Chemicals: Exploring Comparative Oxidative Stress in Two Common Animal Models

Sustainable molecular design of less hazardous chemicals presents a potentially transformative approach to protect public health and the environment. Relationships between molecular descriptors and toxicity thresholds previously identified the octanol-water distribution coefficient, log D, and the HOMO-LUMO energy gap, ΔE, as two useful properties in the identification of reduced aquatic toxicity. To determine whether these two property-based guidelines are applicable to sublethal oxidative stress (OS) responses, two common aquatic in vivo models, the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) and zebrafish (Danio rerio), were employed to examine traditional biochemical biomarkers (lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, and total glutathione) and antioxidant gene activation following exposure to eight structurally diverse industrial chemicals (bisphenol A, cumene hydroperoxide, dinoseb, hydroquinone, indene, perfluorooctanoic acid, R-(-)-carvone, and tert-butyl hydroperoxide). Bisphenol A, cumene hydroperoxide, dinoseb, and hydroquinone were consistent inducers of OS. Glutathione was the most consistently affected biomarker, suggesting its utility as a sensitivity response to support the design of less hazardous chemicals. Antioxidant gene expression (changes in nrf2, gclc, gst, and sod) was most significantly (p < 0.05) altered by R-(-)-carvone, cumene hydroperoxide, and bisphenol A. Results from the present study indicate that metabolism of parent chemicals and the role of their metabolites in molecular initiating events should be considered during the design of less hazardous chemicals. Current empirical and computational findings identify the need for future derivation of sustainable molecular design guidelines for electrophilic reactive chemicals (e.g., SN2 nucleophilic substitution and Michael addition reactivity) to reduce OS related adverse outcomes in vivo.

Assessing the toxicity of sediments using the medaka embryo-larval assay and 2 other bioassays

Sediments are sinks for aquatic pollutants, and analyzing toxicity in such complex matrices is still challenging. To evaluate the toxicity of bioavailable pollutants accumulated in sediments from the Bizerte lagoon (Tunisia), a novel assay, the medaka embryo-larval assay by sediment contact, was applied. Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) embryos were incubated in direct contact with sediment samples up to hatching. Lethal and sublethal adverse effects were recorded in embryos and larvae up to 20 d postfertilization. Results from medaka embryo-larval assay were compared with cytotoxicity (Microtox®), genotoxicity (SOS chromotest), and pollutant content of sediments. The results highlight differences in the contamination profile and toxicity pattern between the different studied sediments. A significant correlation was shown between medaka embryo-larval assay by sediment contact and SOS chromotest responses and concentrations of most organic pollutants studied. No correlation was shown between pollutant levels and Microtox. According to the number of sediment samples detected as toxic, medaka embryo-larval assay by sediment contact was more sensitive than Microtox, which in turn was more sensitive than the SOS chromotest; and medaka embryo-larval assay by sediment contact allowed sediment toxicity assessment of moderately polluted sediments without pollutant extraction and using an ecologically realistic exposure scenario. Although medaka embryo-larval assay by sediment contact should be tested on a larger sample set, the results show that it is sensitive and convenient enough to monitor the toxicity of natural sediments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2270-2280. © 2016 SETAC.

Developmental toxicity from exposure to various forms of mercury compounds in medaka fish (Oryzias latipes) embryos

This study examined developmental toxicity of different mercury compounds, including some used in traditional medicines. Medaka (Oryzias latipes) embryos were exposed to 0.001–10 µM concentrations of MeHg, HgCl2, α-HgS (Zhu Sha), and β-HgS (Zuotai) from stage 10 (6–7 hpf) to 10 days post fertilization (dpf). Of the forms of mercury in this study, the organic form (MeHg) proved the most toxic followed by inorganic mercury (HgCl₂), both producing embryo developmental toxicity. Altered phenotypes included pericardial edema with elongated or tube heart, reduction of eye pigmentation, and failure of swim bladder inflation. Both α-HgS and β-HgS were less toxic than MeHg and HgCl₂. Total RNA was extracted from survivors three days after exposure to MeHg (0.1 µM), HgCl₂ (1 µM), α-HgS (10 µM), or β-HgS (10 µM) to examine toxicity-related gene expression. MeHg and HgCl₂ markedly induced metallothionein (MT) and heme oxygenase-1 (Ho-1), while α-HgS and β-HgS failed to induce either gene. Chemical forms of mercury compounds proved to be a major determinant in their developmental toxicity.

Integrated biomarkers induced by chlorpyrifos in two different life stages of zebrafish (Danio rerio) for environmental risk assessment

This study was performed to understand how chlorpyrifos (CHL) affects zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos and adults, by exposing this model organism to various concentrations of the insecticide. The 96-h acute toxicity test to determine the effect of CHL on adult zebrafish yielded a LC50 of 709.43μg/L(-1). Small molecular weight proteins less than 25kDa and phospholipids were analyzed with MALDI-TOF MS/MS in order to compare expression patterns, revealing that some peaks were dramatically altered after CHL treatment. Whereas no acute toxicity was detected in the embryo toxicity test, malformation of zebrafish larvae was observed, with many individuals harboring curved spines. In an angiogenesis test on larvae of transgenic zebrafish, CHL did not have an inhibitory effect. Relative gene expression analyses using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of DNA from zebrafish embryos revealed that different subtypes of cytochrome P450 (CYP450), such as CYP1A and CYP3A, were significantly up-regulated in response to CHL at a concentration of 400μg/L(-1) compared to the control. The expression level of NR1I2, a CYP gene transcriptional regulator, UGT1a1, and MDR1 were all up-regulated in the CHL-treated embryos. Finally, the expression level of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and catalase (CAT) decreased, whereas that of superoxide dismutase (SOD) did not differ significantly. Our results suggest that the up-regulation of metabolic enzymes including CYP450 and MDR1 may be involved in CHL resistance in zebrafish.

Effects of cypermethrin on survival, morphological and biochemical aspects of rohu (Labeo rohita) during early development

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of sub-lethal doses of Cypermethrin (CYP) on the survival and morphological and biochemical aspects of rohu (Labeo rohita) during early developmental stages. Newly fertilized eggs were incubated in the presence of sub-lethal concentration of CYP (20% of LC50 i.e., 8.43 μg L(-1)) in a well designed flow through system. Increased mortality was found with increase in exposure time. Deformities like eroded yolk and margins, elongated yolk sac, larvae with short tail, no eyes or larvae with zigzag movement and paralyzed larvae were observed in CYP treated group from blastula to fry stage. The activities of antioxidant like Catalase (CAT), Peroxidase (POD) and Lactoperoxidase (LPO) were decreased from 24 to 96 h in the control group whereas increased in CYP treated group. The Glutathione reducatse (GR) activity was also increased with time in both the control and treated groups; however, the activity was significantly higher in CYP treated group. Similarly, the whole body cortisol level showed an increasing trend with time in both control and treated groups. However, in CYP exposed group the cortisol level was considerably higher after 24 h exposure but statistically comparable to the control group after 96 h. It can be concluded from the present results that CYP even at very low concentration adversely affects the early development of L. rohita and enhances mortality. The obtained results reveal that CYP may affect the wild population of fish by inducing oxidative stress and modulating stress response during early ontogenesis.

Differential sensitivity of snail embryos to cadmium: relation to age and metallothionein gene expression

The aim of this study was to determine whether cadmium (Cd) sensitivity of Cantareus aspersus embryos is age-dependent and influenced by metallothionein (MT) gene expression. Hatching success and the expression of three MT isoform genes (Ca-CdMT, Ca-CuMT and Ca-Cd/CuMT) were measured in embryos exposed to increasing Cd concentrations for 24 h starting on the sixth day of development. Isoform gene expression was quantified on days 7 and 12 after exposure. Results were compared to those of embryos exposed to the same conditions as above, but from the beginning of embryogenesis (day 0). Transcription of the Cd-specific MT gene (Ca-CdMT) was observed from the first day of development, whereas the two other genes did not respond to Cd at all. Overall, Cd sensitivity of embryos decreased with increasing age of development, as assessed by age-dependent increase of EC50 values for hatching rate, and increasing Cd threshold concentrations for Ca-CdMT expression.

Chlorpyrifos-induced biomarkers in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes)

Chlorpyrifos (CHL) is an organophosphate compound that is widely used as an insecticide. Due to its repeated use and high environmental residual property, CHL is frequently passed into aquatic environments by runoff. Consequently, there may be an adverse effect on aquatic vertebrate animals, including fish. Therefore, in this study, we assessed how CHL affected Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes). The acute toxicity of CHL in adult fish after 96 h of exposure was determined to be 212.50, 266.79, and 412.28 μg L(-1) (LC25, LC50, and LC95, respectively). Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and carboxylesterase (CE) activities were obtained from the livers of dead or surviving fish, and the results showed 4.8-fold lower, 4.5-fold higher, and 18.6-fold lower activities for the AChE, GST, and CE, respectively, for 64-h exposure at a concentration of 400 μg L(-1) of CHL. In the embryo toxicity test, curved spines were observed in embryos that were exposed to CHL for 48 h in a concentration-dependent manner. With identification of biomarkers for CHL in the fish, two protein peaks, 5550.86 and 5639.79 m/z, were found to be upregulated. These two proteins can be used as protein biomarkers for CHL contamination in aquatic systems. A phosphatidyl choline with an m/z ratio of 556.32 dramatically decreased after CHL exposure in the fish; thus, it may be considered as a lipid biomarker for CHL. It is assumed as the first report to identify a phospholipid biomarker using a lipidomics approach in fish toxicology. Taken together, these results demonstrated the adverse effects of CHL on Japanese medaka and reveal several candidate biomarkers that can be used as diagnostic tools for determining CHL.

Age matters: Developmental stage of Danio rerio larvae influences photomotor response thresholds to diazinion or diphenhydramine

Because basic toxicological data is unavailable for the majority of industrial compounds, High Throughput Screening (HTS) assays using the embryonic and larval zebrafish provide promising approaches to define bioactivity profiles and identify potential adverse outcome pathways for previously understudied chemicals. Unfortunately, standardized approaches, including HTS experimental designs, for examining fish behavioral responses to contaminants are rarely available. In the present study, we examined movement behavior of larval zebrafish over 7 days (4-10 days post fertilization or dpf) during typical daylight workday hours to determine whether intrinsic activity differed with age and time of day. We then employed an early life stage approach using the Fish Embryo Test (FET) at multiple developmental ages to evaluate whether photomotor response (PMR) behavior differed with zebrafish age following exposure to diazinon (DZN), a well-studied orthophosphate insecticide, and diphenhydramine (DPH), an antihistamine that also targets serotonin reuptake transporters and the acetylcholine receptor. 72h studies were conducted at 1-4, 4-7 and 7-10dpf, followed by behavioral observations using a ViewPoint system at 4, 7 and 10dpf. Distance traveled and swimming speeds were quantified; nominal treatment levels were analytically verified by isotope-dilution LC-MSMS. Larval zebrafish locomotion displayed significantly different (p<0.05) activity profiles over the course of typical daylight and workday hours, and these time of day PMR activity profiles were similar across ages examined (4-10dpf). 10dpf zebrafish larvae were consistently more sensitive to DPH than either the 4 or 7dpf larvae with an environmentally realistic lowest observed effect concentration of 200ng/L. Though ELS and FET studies with zebrafish typically focus on mortality or teratogenicity in 0-4dpf organisms, behavioral responses of slightly older fish were several orders of magnitude more sensitive to DPH. Our observations highlight the importance of understanding the influence of time of day on intrinsic locomotor activity, and the age-specific hazards of aquatic contaminants to fish behavior.

Comparative pharmacology and toxicology of pharmaceuticals in the environment: diphenhydramine protection of diazinon toxicity in Danio rerio but not Daphnia magna

Pharmaceuticals and other contaminants of emerging concern present unique challenges to environmental risk assessment and management. Fortunately, mammalian pharmacology and toxicology safety data are more readily available for pharmaceuticals than other environmental contaminants. Identifying approaches to read-across such pharmaceutical safety information to non-target species represents a major research need to assess environmental hazards. Here, we tested a biological read-across hypothesis from emergency medicine with common aquatic invertebrate and vertebrate models. In mammals, the antihistamine diphenhydramine (DPH) confers protection from poisoning by acetylcholinesterase inhibition because DPH blocks the acetylcholine receptor. We employed standardized toxicity methods to examine individual and mixture toxicity of DPH and the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor diazinon (DZN) in Daphnia magna (an invertebrate) and Danio rerio (zebrafish, a vertebrate). Though the standardized Fish Embryo Toxicity method evaluates early life stage toxicity of zebrafish (0-3 days post fertilization, dpf), we further evaluated DPH, DZN, and their equipotent mixture during three development stages (0-3, 3-6, 7-10 dpf) in zebrafish embryos. Independent action and concentration addition mixture models and fish plasma modeling were used to assist interpretation of mixture toxicity experiments. Though our primary hypothesis was not confirmed in acute studies with Daphnia magna, DPH conferred a protective effect for acute DZN toxicity to zebrafish when DPH plasma levels were expected to be greater than mammalian therapeutic, but lower than acutely lethal, internal doses. We further observed that timing of developmental exposure influenced the magnitude of DZN and DPH toxicity to zebrafish, which suggests that future zebrafish toxicity studies with pharmaceuticals and pesticides should examine exposure during developmental stages.

Differential toxicity and uptake of Diazinon on embryo-larval development of Rhinella arenarum

Diazinon, an anti-cholinesterase organophosphate, is an extensively used pesticide. The main objective of this work was to assess the lethal and sublethal effects of Diazinon and its comparison with the uptake by embryos and larvae of the common South American toad Rhinella arenarum by means of standardized bioassays during acute (96 h), short-term chronic (168 h) and chronic (504 h) exposures. Toxicity resulted time- and stage-dependent, thus the lethal concentration 50 for 96 h, 168 h and 504 h were 27.2; 20.1 and 6.8 mg Diazinon L(-1) for embryos and 8, 6.7 and 1.9 mg Diazinon L(-1) for larvae. It is noteworthy the remarkable differences found in the concentration which caused lethality with those causing adverse effects on development such as malformations (teratogenic effects). Therefore, the teratogenic index from 144 h was greater than two; the main adverse effects were axial flexures, irregular borders, wavy tail, microcephaly, malformed mouth and adhesive structures, gut miscoiling, underdeveloped gills, cloacal edema, desquamation and severe hydropsy. Moreover, the characteristic sublethal effect of Diazinon on larvae was abnormal behavior related to neurotoxicity with a NOEC-168 h of 4.5 mg Diazinon L(-1). Diazinon contents in R. arenarum were time-dependent and significantly related to exposure concentration for both embryos and larvae. Diazinon contents were also stage-dependent, as it was up to 27 times higher for organisms exposed from blastula stage onwards than early larvae. These facts and the Hazard Quotients, a numerical expression of ecological risk, of 2.73, which is above USEPA's Level of Concern, showed the threat that Diazinon represents for R. arenarum populations.

Effect of terbuthylazine-2-hydroxy at environmental concentrations on early life stages of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

The aim of the study was to investigate effects of the triazine's herbicide terbuthylazine-2-hydroxy on early life stage of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) through antioxidant indices, mortality, growth, development, and histopathology. Based on accumulated mortality in the experimental groups, lethal concentrations of terbuthylazine-2-hydroxy were estimated at 35-day LC50 = 10.9 mg/L terbuthylazine-2-hydroxy. By day 15, fish were exposed to 3.5 mg/L and by day 26, fish were exposed to 0.0029 mg/L; real environmental concentration in Czech rivers, 0.07 mg/L, 1.4 mg/L, and 3.5 mg/L terbuthylazine-2-hydroxy, showed significantly lower mass and total length compared with controls. Based on inhibition of growth in the experimental groups, lowest observed effect concentration (LOEC) = 0.002 mg/L terbuthylazine-2-hydroxy and no observed effect concentration (NOEC) = 0.0001 mg/L terbuthylazine-2-hydroxy. No significant negative effects on hatching or embryo viability were demonstrated at the concentrations tested, but significant differences in early ontogeny among groups were noted. Fish from the two highest tested concentrations showed a dose-related delay in development compared with the controls. Total superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significant lower in all groups testedly for terbuthylazine-2-hydroxy compared with the control group. At concentrations of 1.4 and 3.5 mg/L damage to caudal kidney tubules when compared to control fish was found.

Effects of repeated pulsed herbicide exposures on the growth of aquatic macrophytes

Many contaminants are released into aquatic systems intermittently in a series of pulses. Pulse timing and magnitude can vary according to usage, compound-specific physicochemical properties, and use area characteristics. Standard laboratory ecotoxicity tests typically employ continuous exposure concentrations over defined durations and thus may not accurately and realistically reflect the effects of certain compounds on aquatic organisms, resulting in potential over- or underestimation. Consequently, the relative effects of pulsed (2 and 4 d) and continuous exposures of the duckweed Lemna minor to isoproturon, metsulfuron-methyl, and pentachlorophenol over a period of 42 d were explored in the present study. At the highest test concentrations, exposure of L. minor to pulses of metsulfuron-methyl resulted in effects on growth similar to those of an equivalent continuous exposure. For isoproturon, pulsed exposures had a lower impact than a corresponding continuous exposure, whereas the effect of pentachlorophenol delivered in pulses was greater. These differences may be explained by compound-specific uptake and degradation or dissipation rates in plants and the recovery potential that occurs following pulses for different pesticides. Given these results, use of a simple time-weighted average approach to estimate effects of intermittent exposures from short-term standard toxicity studies may not provide an accurate prediction that reflects realistic exposure scenarios. Development of mechanistic modeling approaches may facilitate better estimates of effects from intermittent exposures.

The toxicity of cadmium (Cd²⁺) towards embryos and pro-larva of soldatov's catfish (Silurus soldatovi)

A six-day static-renewal toxicity test was performed to determine the influences of cadmium on the development of embryos of soldatov's catfish (Silurus soldatovi). The median lethal concentration (LC50) value and median effective concentration (EC50, i.e., the total adverse effects, including developmental defects and mortality) were calculated to be 2740 and 133 μg/L, respectively, when cadmium was prepared in dilution water. The LC50 decreased to 266 μg/L in a subsequent test one month later, thereby suggesting that the sensitivity of this fish to cadmium in the early life stage(1) was largely influenced by the quality of fertilized eggs, which is known to be dependent on the season. The mortality and total adverse effects showed a concentration-dependent relationship at dosages greater than 1000 or 10 μg/L (p<0.05), respectively, at pro-larva stage (i.e., 144 hpf) with dilution water. To compare the toxic effects of cadmium under field and experimental conditions, filtered river water was adopted as a solvent simultaneously compared with dilution water. No significant differences were observed in mortality rate, hatching rate and adverse effect prevalence between the two solvents. In comparison to previously published toxicity data for other fish, the pro-larva of soldatov's catfish were less sensitive than established test fish in the early life stage. Therefore, the environmental risks would be overestimated when considering only existing toxicity data for other test fish.

Does mechanism matter? Unrelated neurotoxicants converge on cell cycle and apoptosis during neurodifferentiation

Mechanistically unrelated developmental neurotoxicants often produce neural cell loss culminating in similar functional and behavioral outcomes. We compared an organophosphate pesticide (diazinon), an organochlorine pesticide (dieldrin) and a metal (Ni(2+)) for effects on the genes regulating cell cycle and apoptosis in differentiating PC12 cells, an in vitro model of neuronal development. Each agent was introduced at 30μM for 24 or 72h, treatments devoid of cytotoxicity. Using microarrays, we examined the mRNAs encoding nearly 400 genes involved in each of the biological processes. All three agents targeted both the cell cycle and apoptosis pathways, evidenced by significant transcriptional changes in 40-45% of the cell cycle-related genes and 30-40% of the apoptosis-related genes. There was also a high degree of overlap as to which specific genes were affected by the diverse agents, with 80 cell cycle genes and 56 apoptosis genes common to all three. Concordance analysis, which assesses stringent matching of the direction, magnitude and timing of the transcriptional changes, showed highly significant correlations for pairwise comparisons of all the agents, for both cell cycle and apoptosis. Our results show that otherwise disparate developmental neurotoxicants converge on common cellular pathways governing the acquisition and programmed death of neural cells, providing a specific link to cell deficits. Our studies suggest that identifying the initial mechanism of action of a developmental neurotoxicant may be strategically less important than focusing on the pathways that converge on common final outcomes such as cell loss.

Genotoxicity of diuron and glyphosate in oyster spermatozoa and embryos

We investigated the effects of genotoxicant exposure in gametes and embryos to find a possible link between genotoxicity and reproduction/developmental impairment, and explore the impact of chemical genotoxicity on population dynamics. Our study focused on the genotoxic effects of two herbicides on oyster gametes and embryos: glyphosate (both as an active substance and in the Roundup formulation) and diuron. France is Europe's leading consumer of agrochemical substances and as such, contamination of France's coastal waters by pesticides is a major concern. Glyphosate and diuron are among the most frequently detected herbicides in oyster production areas; as oyster is a specie with external reproduction, its gametes and embryos are in direct contact with the surrounding waters and are hence particularly exposed to these potentially dangerous substances. In the course of this study, differences in genotoxic and embryotoxic responses were observed in the various experiments, possibly due to differences in pollutant sensitivity between the tested genitor lots. Glyphosate and Roundup had no effect on oyster development at the concentrations tested, whereas diuron significantly affected embryo-larval development from the lowest tested concentration of 0.05 μg L⁻¹, i.e. an environmentally realistic concentration. Diuron may therefore have a significant impact on oyster recruitment rates in the natural environment. Our spermiotoxicity study revealed none of the tested herbicides to be cytotoxic for oyster spermatozoa. However, the alkaline comet assay showed diuron to have a significant genotoxic effect on oyster spermatozoa at concentrations of 0.05 μg L⁻¹ upwards. Conversely, no effects due to diuron exposure were observed on sperm mitochondrial function or acrosomal membrane integrity. Although our initial results showed no negative effect on sperm function, the possible impact on fertilization rate and the consequences of the transmission of damaged DNA for oyster development and physiological performances, requires further investigation. A likely hypothesis to explain the embryotoxic and genotoxic effects of diuron is that it may act via causing oxidative stress.

Effect-directed analysis of municipal landfill soil reveals novel developmental toxicants in the zebrafish Danio rerio

Effect-directed analysis (EDA) is an approach used to identify (unknown) contaminants in complex samples which cause toxicity, using a combination of biology and chemistry. The goal of this work was to apply EDA to identify developmental toxicants in soil samples collected from a former municipal landfill site. Soil samples were extracted, fractionated, and tested for developmental effects with an embryotoxicity assay in the zebrafish Danio rerio. Gas chromatograph mass selective detection (GC-MSD) chemical screening was used to reveal candidate developmental toxicants in fractions showing effects. In a parallel study, liquid chromatography-hybrid linear ion trap Orbitrap mass spectrometry was also applied to one polar subfraction (Hoogenboom et al. J. Chromatogr. A2009, 1216, 510-519). EDA resulted in the identification of a number of previously unknown developmental toxicants, which were confirmed to be present in soil by GC-MS. These included 11H-benzo[b]fluorene, 9-methylacridine, 4-azapyrene, and 2-phenylquinoline, as well as one known developmental toxicant (retene). This work revealed the presence of novel contaminants in the environment that may affect vertebrate development, which are not subject to monitoring or regulation under current soil quality assessment guidelines.

Comparative embryotoxicity of pulp mill extracts in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), American flagfish (Jordanella floridae) and Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes)

This study evaluated the effects of Chilean pulp mill effluent extracts (untreated, primary and secondary treated pulp mill effluents), along with steroid standards (testosterone and 17β-estradiol) and a wood extractive standard (beta-sitosterol) on developing post-fertilized fish embryos. Our study included a cold freshwater species, rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), and two warm freshwater species American flagfish (Jordanella floridae) and Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes). Embryotoxicity results included delay in time to hatch and decreased hatchability but no significant egg and larvae mortality was observed in the pulp mill extract exposed embryos. By contrast, significant early hatching and increased hatchability were observed in beta-sitosterol exposed embryos, along with high mortality of testosterone exposed embryos across species. Teratogenic responses were observed in medaka embryos in all treatments. Abnormalities were detected starting at development stages 19-20 (2-4 somite stages) and included optical deformities (micro-opthalmia, 1 or 2 eyes) and lack of development of brains and hearts. Additionally, phenotypic sex identification of surviving offspring found female-biased sex-ratios in all treatments except testosterone across species. Overall, our study indicated that Chilean pulp and paper mill extractives caused embryotoxicity (post-fertilized embryos) across species and irrespective of the effluent treatment. The effects were mainly associated with delayed time to hatch, decreased hatchability, and species-specific teratogenesis.

Evaluation of developmental toxicity induced by anticholinesterase insecticide, diazinon in female rats

Developmental toxicities, including birth defects, are significant public health problems. This study was planned to assess the cholinergic and developmental potentials of diazinon that is widely used as an organophosphate insecticide. Pregnant female Sprague-Dawley rats were given diazinon orally at doses of 0, 1.9, 3.8, and 7.6 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)/day on gestation days 6 to 15. Maternal brain acetylcholinesterase activities, measured on gestation day20, were significantly decreased at 3.8 and 7.6 mg/kg b.w./day, but fetal acetylcholinesterase activity was not altered. Maternal toxicities, as evidenced by cholinergic symptoms including diarrhea, tremors, weakness, salivation, and decreased activities, were observed at the 3.8 and 7.6 mg/kg b.w./day dose groups. Net gravid uterine weight was decreased at a dose of 7.6 mg/kg b.w./day. No maternal effects were apparent in the 1.9 mg/kg b.w./day dose group. Maternal toxicity at a dose of 3.8 mg/kg b.w./day did not induce fetotoxicity or teratogeneicity. However, 7.6 mg/kg b.w./day doses significantly resulted in fetal toxicity and malformations in addition to maternal toxicity in animals. In conclusion, teratogenic disorders only outlined by doses that produced marked maternal toxicity. Since the malformations were not morphologically related, they were considered to be secondary to maternal toxicity; hence, the malformations were not related to cholinesterase inhibition.

Teratogenicity and embryotoxicity in aquatic organisms after pesticide exposure and the role of oxidative stress

Many pesticides have been documented to induce embryotoxicity and teratogenicity in non-target aquatic biota such a fish, amphibians and invertebrates. Our review of the existing literature shows that a broad range of pesticides, representing several different chemical classes, induce variable toxic effects in aquatic species. The effects observed include diverse morphological malformations as well as physiological and behavioral effects. When development malformations occur, the myoskeletal system is among the most highly sensitive of targets. Myoskeletal effects that have been documented to result from pesticides were also known to interfere with the development of organ systems including the eyes or the heart and are also known to often cause lethal or sublethal edema in exposed organisms. The Physiological, behavioral, and population endpoints affected by pesticides include low or delayed hatching, growth suppression, as well as embryonal or larval mortality. The risks associated with pesticide exposure increase particularly during the spring. This is the period of time in which major pepticide applications take place, and this period unfortunately also coincides with many sensitive reproductive events such as spawning, egg laying, and early development of many aquatic organisms. Only few experimental studies with pesticides have directly linked developmental toxicity with key oxidative stress endpoints, such as lipid peroxidation, oxidative DNA damage, or modulation of antioxidant mechanisms. On the other hand, it has been documented in many reports that pesticide-related oxidative damage occurs in exposed adult fish, amphibians, and invertebrates. Moreover, the contribution of oxidative stress to the toxicity of pesticides has been emphasized in several recent review papers that have treated this topic. In conclusion, the available experimental data, augmented by several indirect lines of evidence, provide support to the concept that oxidative stress is a highly important mechanism in pesticide-induce reproductive or developmental toxicity. Other stressors may also act by oxidative mechanisms. This notwithstanding, there is much yet to learn about the details of this phenomenon and further research is needed to more fully elucidate the effects that pesticides have and the environmental risks they pose in the early development of aquatic organisms.

Numerical variations and spontaneous malformations in the early embryos of the Korean salamander, Hynobius leechii, in the farmlands of Korea

Embryo sacs of the Korean salamander, Hynobius leechii, were collected from nine farmlands in Gyeongsangnam-Do, Korea, in early spring of 2002 and 2004. The variations in the number of embryos within each embryo sac and the mortality and abnormality rates among the embryos were investigated. We also analyzed the patterns of spontaneous embryonic malformations and the residual chemicals in the soil of the habitats using multiple-residue GC/MS. A total of 79,195 embryos were obtained from 1933 embryo sacs. There were regional variations in the length of individual embryo sacs and the number of embryos in each. The longest embryo sac averaged by region measured 20.67 cm ± 3.51 and was obtained from 2-Banseong in 2002. Of the embryos collected, 13.71% either died or stopped developing, and 3.54% of the hatched embryos developed abnormally; the latter were classified according to the patterns of malformation. External gill dysplasia was the most frequent malformation, and caudal dysplasia, abdominal blisters, and dysplasia of the fin were also observed frequently. Histopathological analysis showed neural tube abnormalities, acrania, curved notochords, thyroid teratoma, and various other kinds of endodermal developmental abnormalities. In the analysis of the residual pesticides in the soil, carbofuran, endosulfan-sulfate, and endosulfan-β were detected in the regions with high mortality and malformation rates. These results indicate that various agricultural chemicals and other unknown factors may cause the aforementioned forms of spontaneous malformations in the embryos of Hynobius leechii.

Cadmium toxicity to embryonic-larval development and survival in red sea bream Pagrus major

At 18 degrees C and 33 psu, 24 and 48 h LC(50) values of cadmium (Cd) for red sea bream Pagrus major embryos were 9.8 and 6.6 mgl(-1), respectively, while 24, 48, 72, and 96 h LC(50) values for larvae were 18.9, 16.2, 8.0, and 5.6 mgl(-1), respectively, indicating that embryos were more sensitive to Cd toxicity than larvae. Cd concentrations at > or =0.8 mgl(-1) led to low hatchability (0-90% in > or =0.8 mgl(-1) solutions vs. 97-100% in lower ones), delay in time to hatch, high mortality (38-100% vs. 1-10%), morphological abnormality (42-100% vs. 1-10%), reduced length (3.55-3.60 vs. 3.71-3.72 mm) in the embryos and larvae. They were Cd concentration dependent and potential biological significant endpoints for assessing the risk of Cd to aquatic organisms. Heart beat and yolk absorption of the larvae were significantly inhibited at some high concentrations but they were not as sensitive as other endpoints to Cd exposure.

Toxic effects of 1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium bromide on the early embryonic development of the frog Rana nigromaculata

Toxic effects of 1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium bromide ([C8mim]Br) on the early embryonic development of the frog Rana nigromaculata were evaluated. Frog embryos in different developmental stages (early cleavage, early gastrula, or neural plate) were exposed to 0, 45, 63, or 88.2 mg/L of the ionic liquid [C8mim]Br for 96 h. The 96-h median lethal concentration values at the early cleavage, early gastrula, and neural plate stages of development were 85.1, 43.4, and 42.4 mg/L, respectively. In embryos exposed to [C8mim]Br, the duration of embryo dechorionation was prolonged in the early cleavage and neural plate, but not the early gastrula, stages of development compared with control embryos. Embryos in the neural plate developmental stage were found to have the highest mortality rate following [C8mim]Br exposure. These results suggest that [C8mim]Br has toxic effects on the early embryonic development of the frog.

Effects of formulations of the fungicide, pentachloronitrobenzene on early life stage development of the Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes)

Quintozene is a fungicide containing the active ingredient, pentachloronitrobenzene (PCNB) that is used to control "snow mold" on golf courses in temperate regions of North America. In this study, quintozene and a formulation of quintozene widely used on golf courses, FFII were tested for toxicity to early life stages of the Japanese medaka, Oryzias latipes. For medaka exposed in static non-renewal assays to quintozene for 17d from the fertilized egg stage to yolk resorption at the fry stage, the LC(50) for mortality was a nominal concentration of 707 microgl(-1) and the effective concentration for 50% hatch (i.e. EC(50)) was a nominal concentration of 71 microgl(-1). Eggs and fry showed developmental abnormalities, including ocular malformations and retarded development of the brain, notochord, organs and body segmentation, which were interpreted as teratogenic responses to exposure to PCNB. For medaka exposed to quintozene, the LOECs for abnormalities of the eye and all other developmental abnormalities were 750 and 100 microgl(-1), respectively. In medaka exposed to the FFII formulation, similar patterns of mortalities, reduced hatching success and developmental abnormalities were observed, but at higher test concentrations that were consistent with the proportion of quintozene in the formulation. For medaka exposed to the formulation, the LOECs for abnormalities of the eye and all other developmental abnormalities were 10,000 and 1,000microgl(-1), respectively. Overall, these data indicate that studies should be conducted to assess the risk of exposure of early life stages of fish to quintozene in watersheds impacted by golf courses.

Effects of diazinon on mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus) larvae produced from eggs differentially treated with PCB126

During their formation, fish eggs receive a load of contaminants including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from their mother and then, after spawning, are exposed to pesticides present in water. This is the first study investigating the interaction between PCBs and organophosphorous pesticides in fish. The effect of diazinon was evaluated in mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus) larvae produced from eggs differentially treated with 3,3',4,4',5 pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB126). A few hours after fertilization, eggs were treated topically with a solution of PCB126 (100 pg/microl) in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) (Group P), DMSO (Group D), or not treated (Group N). Newly hatched larvae from Groups P and D were exposed to diazinon (125-12,900 ng/L) in saltwater and Group N larvae to saltwater alone. Diazinon caused a dose-responsive inhibition of cholinesterase (ChE) activity at environmentally realistic concentrations (> or =361 ng/L), with up to 85% inhibition at 12,900 ng/L. Body length was also inversely related to diazinon at concentrations > or =361 ng/L and was significantly reduced (by 4%) at 12,900 ng/L compared to controls. Mummichog larvae were highly sensitive to PCB126 with an eightfold induction of the activity of ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase at a dose of 710 pg PCB126 or 3.6 pg TCDD-TEQ/g wet weight. Treatment with PCB126 also caused a slight reduction in body length but no effect on ChE activity. This study indicates that the effects of PCB126 and diazinon on body length are cumulative because no significant synergistic or antagonistic interactions were observed. Longer term studies with several doses of PCB126 are needed to fully assess the overall impact of joint exposure to diazinon and PCB126 on growth and survival of fish larvae.

Modified Japanese medaka embryo-larval bioassay for rapid determination of developmental abnormalities

The Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) early-life-stage bioassay (18-day test) provides a suitable laboratory model for the evaluation of toxicant impact. The naturally high variability in the time to hatch for medaka embryos is, however, a major limitation in terms of the duration of the test. In this study, the 18-day test was modified to use agitation to synchronize hatch and reduce time to hatch for nonexposed embryos. Then, bioassays were conducted using two different complex mixtures (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and naphthenic acids (NAs)) to compare the sensitivity of the measurement endpoints using the 18-day standard protocol (SP) and the modified protocol (MP). Agitation reduced time to hatch by one third or more and improved hatch success (100%). The MP proved to be a more sensitive test method for the sublethal evaluation of a stressor (PAH mixture) that caused reduced hatch length and induced signs of blue sac disease (BSD) including heart deformities, yolk sac-pericardial edema, and cranial-skeletal deformities. In contrast, there was some variability in the sensitivity of the test methods for developmental endpoints for the sublethal evaluation of a stressor (NA mixture) that had no effect on hatch length and was a weak inducer of signs of BSD. Even though the sensitivity of the measurement endpoints were slightly more or less sensitive for the MP vs. SP depending on the mixture tested, the MP using agitation is recommended as a cost-effective and rapid alternative for screening the sublethal impact of toxicants on the early-life stages of fish.

Metabolic effects of dinoseb, diazinon and esfenvalerate in eyed eggs and alevins of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) determined by 1H NMR metabolomics

Pesticide pulses in the Sacramento River, California, originate from storm-water discharges and non-point source aquatic pollution that can last from a few days to weeks. The Sacramento River and its tributaries have historically supported the majority of California's Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) spawning grounds. Three pesticides currently used in the Sacramento Valley-- dinoseb, diazinon, and esfenvalerate-- were chosen to model the exposure of salmon embryos to storm-water discharges. Static-renewal (96 h) exposures to eyed eggs and alevins resulted in both toxicity and significant changes in metabolism assessed in whole-embryo extracts by (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy based metabolomics and HPLC with UV detection (HPLC-UV). The 96-h LC(50) values of eyed eggs and alevins exposed to dinoseb were 335 and 70.6 ppb, respectively, and the corresponding values for diazinon were 545 and 29.5 ppm for eyed eggs and alevins, respectively. The 96-h LC(50) of eyed eggs exposed to esfenvalerate could not be determined due to lack of mortality at the highest exposure concentration, but in alevins was 16.7 ppb. All esfenvalerate exposed alevins developed some degree of lordosis or myoskeletal abnormality and did not respond to stimulus or exhibit normal swimming behavior. ATP concentrations measured by HPLC-UV decreased significantly in eyed eggs due to 250 ppb dinoseb and 10 and 100 ppb esfenvalerate (p < 0.05). Phosphocreatine, as measured by HPLC-UV, decreased significantly in eyed eggs due to 250 ppb dinoseb, 10 and 100 ppb esfenvalerate, and 100 ppm diazinon (p < 0.05). Principal components analyses of (1)H NMR metabolite fingerprints of eyed egg and alevin extracts revealed both dose-dependent and mechanism of action-specific metabolic effects induced by the pesticides. Furthermore, NMR based metabolomics proved to be more sensitive than HPLC-UV in identifying significant changes in sublethal metabolism of pesticide exposed alevins. In conclusion, we have demonstrated several benefits of a metabolomics approach for chemical risk assessment, when used in conjunction with a fish embryo assay, and have identified significant metabolic perturbations to the early life stages of Chinook salmon by currently used pesticides.

Toxic actions of dinoseb in medaka (Oryzias latipes) embryos as determined by in vivo 31P NMR, HPLC-UV and 1H NMR metabolomics

Changes in metabolism of Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) embryos exposed to dinoseb (2-sec-butyl-4,6-dinitrophenol), a substituted dinitrophenol herbicide, were determined by in vivo (31)P NMR, high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC)-UV, and (1)H NMR metabolomics. ATP and phosphocreatine (PCr) metabolism were characterized within intact embryos by in vivo (31)P NMR; concentrations of ATP, GTP, ADP, GDP, AMP and PCr were determined by HPLC-UV; and changes in numerous polar metabolites were characterized by (1)H NMR-based metabolomics. Rangefinding exposures determined two sublethal doses of dinoseb, 50 and 75 ppb, in which embryos survived from 1-day post fertilization (DPF) through the duration of embryogenesis. In vivo (31)P NMR data were acquired from 900 embryos in 0, 50, and 75 ppb dinoseb at 14, 62, and 110 h (n = 6 groups) after initiation of exposure. After 110 h, embryos were observed for normal development and hatching success, then either preserved in 10% formalin for growth analysis or flash frozen and extracted for HPLC-UV and (1)H NMR analysis. Dinoseb exposure at both concentrations resulted in significant declines in [ATP] and [PCr] at 110 h as measured by in vivo (31)P NMR (p < 0.01), HPLC-UV (p < 0.001) and NMR-based metabolomics. Reduced eye growth and diminished heart rate occurred in a concentration-dependent fashion. Metabolic effects measured by in vivo (31)P NMR showed a significant increase in orthophosphate levels (P(i); p < 0.05), and significant decreases in [ATP], [PCr] and the PCr/P(i) ratio (p < 0.05). Metabolomics revealed a dose-response relationship between dinoseb and endogenous metabolite changes, with both dinoseb concentrations producing significantly different metabolic profiles from controls (p < 0.05). Metabolic changes included decreased concentrations of ATP, PCr, alanine and tyrosine, and increased concentrations of lactate with medaka embryotoxicity. This study demonstrated that medaka embryos respond to dinoseb with significant changes in metabolism, reduced growth and heart rates, and increased abnormal development and post-exposure mortality. All three analytical methods confirmed similar trends, and utilization of PCr to compensate for ATP loss was found to be a consistent indicator of sublethal stress-one that could be used to quantify stress associated with medaka embryotoxicity.

The effects of dimethylated and alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on the embryonic development of the Japanese medaka

The Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) early-life stage assay was used to investigate the effects of a number of commercially available dimethylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (3,6-dimethylphenanthrene, 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene, and 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene) and their unsubstituted congeners, dimethylated and unsubstituted tertiary mixtures, and a complex environmental mixture (with elevated C2-substituted dibenzothiophene) on embryo larval development. Unsubstituted PAHs showed trends of increased blue sac disease (BSD) relative to dimethylated PAHs, although the severity of BSD induction varied. Results demonstrated that the dibenzothiophene congeners were the strongest inducers of BSD of the commercial PAHs tested. These compounds reduced the hatching success of embryonic medaka, an effect that was enhanced in the mixture. The base neutral extract significantly increased the frequency and severity of BSD abnormalities, while significantly reducing larval hatch length. Based on these results, a sublethal maximum allowable toxicant concentration (MATC) of 13.91 microg PAHs/L was calculated.

Computational characterization of behavioral response of medaka (Oryzias latipes) treated with diazinon

The behavior of indicator specimens in response to sub-lethal doses of toxic substances has been used to detect contamination in aquatic ecosystems. Changes in the movement behaviors of medaka (Oryzias latipes) were analyzed after being treated with diazinon at a concentration of 0.1 mg/l. The movement tracks of medaka were continuously recorded in two-dimension by a digital image processing system both before and after the treatments. Subsequently, two computational methods--two-dimensional fast Fourier transform (2D FFT) and self-organizing map (SOM), were implemented to extract information from the movement data. The differences in the shapes of the movement tracks before and after the treatments were clearly manifested through 2D FFT. The short-distance, irregular turnings in the movement tracks observed after the treatments in the time domain were characteristically transformed to circular or ellipsoidal patterns in the frequency domain. The amplitudes of 2D FFT were efficiently classified by SOM, demonstrating the effects of the different treatments. To evaluate the feasibility of information extraction by 2D FFT, SOM was similarly carried out on the parameters (speed, meander, stop duration, etc.) conventionally used for characterizing the movement tracks. 2D FFT was more efficient in information extraction from the movement data than the parameters. The 2D FFT and SOM were useful as computational methods for automatically detecting response behaviors of indicator specimens exposed to toxic chemicals in aquatic ecosystems.

Metabolic changes in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) during embryogenesis and hypoxia as determined by in vivo 31P NMR

In vivo (31)P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) was used to determine phosphometabolite changes in medaka (Oryzias latipes) during embryogenesis and hypoxia. NMR data were acquired using a flow-through NMR tube perfusion system designed to both deliver oxygenated water to embryos and accommodate a hypoxic challenge. Measurements of embryogenesis at 12- and 24-h intervals throughout 8 days of development (n = 3 per time point, 900 embryos per replicate) and during acute hypoxia (n = 6, 900 embryos at Iwamatsu stage 37 per replicate) were performed via NMR, and replicate samples (n = 4, 250 embryos each) were flash frozen for HPLC analysis. The hypoxic challenge experiment consisted of data acquisition with recirculating water (pre-hypoxic control period; 1 h), without recirculating water (hypoxic challenge; 1 h), then again with recirculating water (recovery period; 1.3 h). Concentrations of ATP, phosphocreatine (PCr), orthophosphate (P(i)), phosphomonoesters (PME), phosphodiesters (PDE), and intracellular pH (pH(i)) were determined by NMR, and ATP, ADP, AMP, GTP, GDP, and PCr were also determined via HPLC. During embryogenesis, [ATP] and [PCr] as determined by HPLC increased from 1-day post fertilization (DPF) levels of 0.93+/-0.08 and 2.48+/-0.21 micromol/mg (dry tissue), respectively, to 7.24+/-0.77 and 15.66+/-1.08 micromol/mg, respectively, by day 8. [ATP] and [PCr] measured by both NMR and HPLC fluctuated over 1-3 DPF, then increased significantly (p<0.05) over 3-8 DPF, while [PME] and [PDE] decreased (p<0.05) throughout embryogenesis. NMR and HPLC measurements revealed 1-3, 4-5, and 6-8 DPF as periods of embryogenesis significantly different from each other (p<0.05), and representing important transitions in metabolism and growth. During hypoxic challenge, [ATP] and [PCr] declined (p<0.05), [PME] and [PDE] decreased slightly, and [P(i)] increased (p<0.05). All phosphometabolites returned to pre-hypoxia concentrations during recovery. The pH(i) decreased (p<0.05) from 7.10+/-0.03 to 6.94+/-0.03 as a result of hypoxia, and failed to return to pre-hypoxic levels within the 1.3-h recovery phase. Results demonstrate the utility of in vivo (31)P NMR to detect significant alterations in phosphorylated nucleotides and phosphometabolites at specific developmental stages during medaka development and that late-stage medaka utilize PCr to generate ATP under hypoxic conditions.

Toxicity of a commercial herbicide containing terbutryn and triasulfuron to seabream (Sparus aurata L.) larvae: a comparison with the Microtox test

The present study aimed to compare the sensitivity of larvae of the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), a valuable fish species of the Spanish South Atlantic littoral, with the extensively used Microtox test on a commercial herbicide formulation containing terbutryn (59.4%) and triasulfuron (0.6%). To this purpose, mortality displayed by endogenous feeding S. aurata larvae exposed during 72 h post-hatching to nominal concentrations of the commercial formulation and bioluminescence of the marine bacterium Vibrio fischeri were compared. Histomorphological changes were also studied. Clearly, the S. aurata assay was the more sensitive indicator of toxicity for this herbicide. The 72-h concentration lethal to 50% of the individuals (LC(50)) found for yolk sac larvae was 1.41 mg/L. This value was more than one order of magnitude below the 15-min EC(50) found for V. fischeri (15.94 mg/L). Growth of the larvae was not significantly affected by a terbutryn-triasulfuron mixture at concentrations up to 1.56 mg/L, the maximum at which there was some proportion of survival.

Partiton-controlled delivery of toxicants: a novel in vivo approach for embryo toxicity testing

In conventional static or semi-static embryo toxicity assays with fish, the nominal concentrations of hydrophobic chemicals are often used to establish the toxic thresholds, which often far exceed the solubility limits of test compounds. Saturators and continuous-flow diluters have been used to provide stable concentrations below solubility but are complex, use large amounts of test substance, and produce large volumes of waste. We present a partition-controlled delivery (PCD) method that maintains the concentrations of chemicals in test solutions at or below solubility limits for extended exposure times. Concentrations are maintained by equilibrium partitioning of test chemicals from a series of poly(dimethylsiloxane) films loaded with a range of concentrations of each chemical. The efficacy of the PCD assay was tested by comparisons with static (no renewal) and semi-static (24-h renewal) embryo-larval toxicity tests. The test species was Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) exposed to retene (7-isopropyl-1-methylphenanthrene), a compound causing blue sac disease (BSD) in fish embryos. In the PCD assay, the median effective concentration (EC50) for BSD was 10 microg/L, below retene's solubility of 17 microg/L. In contrast, the nominal EC50 values for the semi-static 24-h and static assays were about 10 (150 microg/L) and 150 times (2500 microg/L) greater than solubility, respectively. The PCD method is a more sensitive and realistic method for assessing toxicity of nonpolar compounds than (semi)-static assays.

Hair analysis used to assess chronic exposure to the organophosphate diazinon: a model study with rabbits

The main purpose of the present study was to determine whether hair analysis would be a suitable method to assess chronic exposure of rabbits to the pesticide diazinon. A controlled study was designed, in which white rabbits of the New Zealand variety were systemically exposed to two dosage levels (15 mg/kg per day and 8 mg/kg per day) of the pesticide, through their drinking water, for a period of 4 months. Hair samples from the back of the rabbits were removed before commencing the experiment and at the end of the dosing period. Parallel experiments with spiked hair were carried out in order to design a simple and efficient method of extraction of diazinon from hair. The hair was pulverized in a ball mill homogenizer, incubated in methanol at 37 degrees C overnight, liquid-liquid extracted with ethyl acetate and measured by chromatography techniques (GC-NPD and GC-MS) for confirmation. The concentration of the diazinon in the hair of the exposed animals ranged from 0.11 to 0.26 ng/mg hair. It was concluded that there is a relationship between the administered dose and the detected pesticide concentration in hair. Finally, it seems that hair analysis may be used to investigate chronic exposure to the pesticide.

Development and application of a monoclonal antibody-based sandwich ELISA for quantification of Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) vitellogenin

Vitellogenin (Vtg) was purified from ascitic fluid of a 17beta-estradiol (E2)-treated female Japanese medaka by anion-exchange chromatography. The molecular mass of medaka Vtg by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), corresponding to the Vtg monomer, was 200 kDa. BALB/c mice were immunized with purified-Vtg and two hybridoma clones producing specific antibodies against medaka Vtg were selected. The specificity of these monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) was evaluated by Western blot analysis of the plasma proteins separated on SDS-PAGE, and no cross-reactivity was observed with plasma proteins from control males. A sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for quantification of medaka Vtg was developed using these mAbs. The assay range was between 1 and 100 ng/ml, and the intra- and inter-assay variations determined from plasma samples were within 7.7 and 8.5%, respectively. Recovery of medaka Vtg added to plasma was 92-111%. In a plasma dilution test, plots of Vtg concentration gave a straight line. After exposure of male medaka to E2 (10 ng/l), Vtg appeared in liver and plasma on the first day and reached a maximum on the 3rd to 5th day. The sandwich ELISA could be useful for the detection of estrogenic properties, and the medaka Vtg bioassay could be a very sensitive and good tool for screening of endocrine disrupting compounds.