Identification of aryl hydrocarbon receptor 2 in aquatic birds; cDNA cloning of AHR1 and AHR2 and characteristics of their amino acid sequences

The toxic effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and its related planar halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (PHAHs) are mediated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). To investigate the potential sensitivity to PHAHs and the evolutional diversity of AHR in aquatic birds, AHR cDNAs were initially cloned and sequenced from the livers of a black-footed albatross (Diomedea nigripes) and a common cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo). In this study, we report the identification of two distinct AHR paralog genes in these species. The two full-length AHR cDNAs from albatross were highly divergent (33% overall amino acid identity, and 60% identity in the N-terminal half). Phylogenetic analysis showed that one of them belongs to the AHR1 clade and the other one to the AHR2 clade, which has been identified only from fishes, but not yet from mammals and birds. Albatross AHR1 encoded a 861-residue protein with a predicted molecular mass of 96.7 kDa, and in the case of albatross AHR2, 925 amino acids and 100.7 kDa. From cormorant liver, the full-length AHR1 cDNA and the partial AHR2 cDNA were cloned. This result strongly suggests that bird species also possess two distinct AHR genes (AHR1 and AHR2). To our knowledge, this is the first report on the presence of an AHR2-like isoform in bird species as well as in fish.     

Role of biotransformation in determining aldicarb toxicity in fish

The carbamate pesticide, aldicarb, demonstrates significant acute toxicity in fish, and is readily biotransformed by most organisms studied. In fish, both the cytochrome P450 (CYP) and the flavin monooxygenase systems (FMO) are involved in bioactivating aldicarb to aldicarb sulfoxide, which is a more potent inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), along with many other fresh water species, do not express FMO and are relatively resistant to the effects of aldicarb. This project examined the toxicity, AChE inhibition, metabolism, and toxicokinetic of aldicarb in channel catfish, and compared these values with an aldicarb-sensitive species, rainbow trout, which expresses FMO. Studies of in vitro and in vivo aldicarb biotransformation in catfish suggest that a low rate of bioactivation (10 times slower V_max), resulting in less initial conversion to the activated metabolite, aldicarb sulfoxide, may be a contributing factor to resistance of channel catfish to aldicarb toxicity. These data are supported by toxicokinetic and enzyme inhibition studies. This work demonstrates that differences in FMO expression among fish species may have significant influence on toxicity resulting from exposure to some xenobiotics.     

Identification of cytochrome P450 1B-like sequences in two teleost fish species (scup, Stenotomus chrysops and plaice, Pleuronectes platessa) and in a cetacean (striped dolphin, Stenella coeruleoalba).

The cytochromes P450 (CYP) constitute a multigene family of enzymes playing a critical role in the oxidation of many endogenous and xenobiotic substrates. The CYP1 family is of particular interest in environmental toxicology because its members are dominant in the metabolism of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and aryl amines. Three members of the CYP1 family, CYP1A1, CYP1A2, and CYP1B1, have been identified in mammals. We report here on the identification and cloning of cytochrome P4501B-like sequences from two teleost fish species and a marine mammal. Sequences clustering with CYP1B1 in phylogenetic analysis were obtained from liver cDNA of scup (Stenotomus chrysops), genomic DNA of plaice (Pleuronectes platessa), and liver cDNA of striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba).     

gamma-Glutamyl transpeptidase as a possible marker of Sertoli cells in fish testes for studies of xenoestrogens.

Estrogenic chemicals are known to have marked effects on the reproductive system of male fish. Finding useful markers of reproductive effects are therefore of great importance and interest. gamma-Glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GTP) is a possible marker of Sertoli cells in testes of fish. In the present study we have examined the relationship between the activity of gamma-GTP and the histological structure of the Sertoli cells in testes of five fish species (guppy, Poecilia reticulata; platyfish, Xiphophorus maculatus; eelpout, Zoarces viviparus; rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss; flounder, Platichthys flesus). In general we found that the more distinct the Sertoli cells the higher the activity of gamma-GTP.     

Comparative oxygen radical formation and toxicity of BDE 47 in rainbow trout cell lines

The polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) constitute a class of flame retardants whose residues have markedly increased in fish and human tissues during the last decade. In particular, the levels of certain PBDE congeners in salmon have raised concern regarding potential risks associated with dietary PBDE exposures. However, little is known regarding PBDE-mediated cell injury in relevant in vitro cell models. We conducted a comparative study of oxyradical production and cell injury in rainbow trout gill (RTgill-W1) and trout liver cells (RTL-W1) exposed to 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE 47), a predominant BDE residue found in fish tissues such as salmonids. Exposure to low micromolar concentrations of BDE 47 elicited a significant loss in RTgill-W1 and RTL-W1 cell viability as measured by alamarBlue assay. The dose-response of BDE toxicity differed among the two cell lines, with the RTL-W1 liver cells showing greater resistance to toxicity at lower BDE 47 doses, but a more dramatic loss of viability relative to gill cells when challenged with higher (50 microM) doses. The sensitivity of the trout liver cells at higher BDE 47 exposures was reflected by a higher basal production of oxygen radical production by 6-carboxy-2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) fluorescence that was markedly enhanced in the presence of BDE 47, suggesting an overwhelming of trout liver cell antioxidant defense pathways. Collectively, our data indicate that RTgill-W1 and RTL-W1 liver cells are sensitive to BDE 47-mediated cell injury through a mechanism that may involve oxidative stress. Our data also provide an in vitro basis for potential tissue differences in BDE 47-mediated cell injury.     

Differential gene expression in mummichogs (Fundulus heteroclitus) following treatment with pyrene: comparison to a creosote contaminated site

Mummichogs, Fundulus heteroclitus, an estuarine fish with a relatively small home range found along the eastern coast of the United States are well-suited to monitoring contaminant effects, including those of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). One of the common PAHs in estuaries is pyrene. We report here on efforts to develop multiple biomarkers of pyrene exposure in this species. Adult male mummichogs were exposed in the laboratory to the weak aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist pyrene at 0, 30, or 50 microg/L in 7-day static renewal exposures. The RNA was extracted from livers and alterations in mRNA expression were assessed by subtractive hybridization and differential display in order to produce multiple biomarkers of pyrene exposure. Genes demonstrating differential expression were confirmed by quantitative-PCR (Q-PCR) and include cytochrome P-450 1A (CYP1A), a putative hepatocyte growth factor activator, a X-ray inducible retrotransposon, and several expressed sequenced tags (ESTs). Some of these genes represent new biomarkers of pyrene exposure and potential biomarkers of PAH exposure. Therefore, similar changes were investigated at a Superfund site in Charleston, SC. Mummichogs from a creosote contaminated site and from a reference site (North Inlet National Estuarine Research Reserve near Georgetown, SC) were trapped, RNA extracted from the livers, and Q-PCR performed. Many of the genes differentially expressed following pyrene exposure were not altered at the creosote contaminated site in comparison to the reference site. However, CYP1A and an EST were induced. CYP1A induction at Diesel Creek indicates that this population of fish does not demonstrate refractory CYP1A phenotypes observed at several sites with high levels of AhR agonists. Ultimately, we anticipate that the use of multiple biomarkers of PAH exposure will provide useful information on the potential effects of toxicants.     

Thermal marking of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) otoliths

A small‐scale experiment was done to test the feasibility of thermally marking hatchery‐reared rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum) fry that are released into rivers and impoundments in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Fry of rainbow trout were exposed to two different 48‐h thermal cycles each of a cold and warm water period. One thermal regime consisted of a cold water period during which the temperature was reduced from 14 to 8°C for 18 h followed by a return to 14°C for 30 h. For the second thermal treatment, water temperature was reduced to 4°C for 10 h followed by a period of 38 h at 14°C. Thermal cycles were repeated 4 and 8 times for each thermal regime, respectively. Following a growth period after treatment, obvious marks were visible on all treated otoliths as distinct from control otoliths. The 10°C differential treatment created the most visible patterns and growth of these fish was not significantly different from control fish. This marking method could be applied to normal hatchery practices to evaluate the effectiveness of large‐scale rainbow trout stockings in NSW.     

Investigation of effects of environmental xenobiotics to fish at sublethal levels by molecular biological approaches

In recent years, there has been increasing concern as to the potential health effects of polyhalogenated and/or polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, since these environmental xenobiotics have been associated with reproductive dysfunction in a variety of wildlife. Studies are described here on the development of molecular biological parameters for: (i) the investigation of toxic mechanisms of environmental xenobiotics at sublethal levels; and (ii) the screening of any other toxic chemical pollutants in the aquatic ecosystems. Through molecular cloning, cDNA of estrogen-responsive genes and growth hormone gene of rainbow trout have been isolated. In appropriate rainbow trout primary or established cell culture systems, these cDNA clones can be used as molecular probes for the elucidation of molecular toxic mechanisms of environmental xenobiotics.     

Possible DDT mortality in young rainbow trout

An unusually high mortality of eggs and fry of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri Richardson) from Lake Taupo in 1966 was possibly caused by excessive exposure to DDT and its metabolites. The egg and fry mortality (44.6%), and DDT level in the fry (4.63 ppm), was compared with other similar cases of possible DDT poisoning in young salmonids, both in New Zealand and North America. Other possible adverse effects on young salmonids exposed to DDT were discussed.     

Nomenclature for hydrocarbon-inducible cytochrome P450 in fish

A growing number of studies concerning organic chemical pollutant induction of cytochrome P450 mixed function oxidases in fish stimulate a need for common terminology. Similar names for proteins might be based on similarities in function, in regulation, and in their structure. Under the current guidelines for P450 proteins, classification is based on measured or inferred amino acid sequence. At present, a single teleost hydrocarbon-inducible P450 (rainbow trout) can conclusively be termed 1A1: a second (scup P450E) can be so termed on the basis of partial sequence. The lack of primary sequence information makes it difficult to assign a specific identity to hydrocarbon inducible P450s in other fish. Nevertheless, the sum of information on catalytic activities, introduction and immunological cross-reactivities provides a weight of evidence sufficient to assume (but not prove) gene family (I) and subfamily (A) identities for hydrocarbon-inducible proteins in many species. Reference to these proteins as P4501 or IA (or CYPI or IA) in fish species where sequence data are lacking is suggested as more appropriate than reference to them as P450IAI (or CYPIAI). Additional primary sequence data are required to further define orthologous relationships among P450IA genes in fish, and to determine whether IAI is a correct designation for a hydrocarbon-inducible P450 in many species.     

Gene structure of the novel cytochrome P4501D1 genes in stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) and medaka (Oryzias latipes)

The cytochrome P450 1 (CYP1) family has expanded with the addition of the CYP1B and CYP1C subfamilies. We recently identified a new CYP1 subfamily in zebrafish, CYP1D, with a single gene, CYP1D1. Here we examined sequences found in other fish genomes, i.e., stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) and medaka (Oryzias latipes), for similarities among fish CYP1D1 genes. The full-length deduced amino acid sequences for CYP1D1 in these two species averaged about 43% identity to the CYP1As, but nearly 50% when sequence alignment ambiguities were masked. CYP1D1 has seven exons, similar in size and position to the exons in CYP1D1 and CYP1A in zebrafish. However, the intronic distances were substantially smaller in the medaka and stickleback. There also were differing numbers of putative xenobiotic response elements in the CYP1D1 of the various species. Whether the stickleback or medaka genes are inducible by aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) agonists is yet to be determined.     

Genomic cloning and expression of vitellogenin gene from the self-fertilizing fish Rivulus marmoratus (Cyprinodontiformes, Rivulidae)

We cloned the vitellogenin gene from the self-fertilizing fish Rivulus marmoratus, and sequenced 12,326 bp. The number of exons of R. marmoratus and rainbow trout vitellogenin genes were different, and also the splicing junctions are different throughout most of the exons and introns but the amino acid similarity of R. marmoratus vitellogenin gene to other species was rather high. In promoter region of R. marmoratus vitellogenin gene, there were several E2 binding sites and the estrogen response element (ERE). We discuss here the gene structure and expression of R. marmoratus vitellogenin gene.     

Effect of cortisol and urea on flavin monooxygenase activity and expression in rainbow trout,Oncorhynchus mykiss

Expression of flavin-containing monooxygenase(s) (FMO) correlates with salinity exposure in certain species of euryhaline fish, such as the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. The mechanism(s) by which salinity regulates FMO is unclear. Adult rainbow trout were infused through the dorsal aorta with either cortisol or urea. At 500 ng/ml, cortisol caused a significant increase in FMO-catalyzed thiourea oxidase activity in gill and liver microsomes. FMOI expression, however, was significantly increased by the high cortisol dose only in gill microsomes. The levels of TMAO and urea were not altered by cortisol. In the liver, urea infusion caused an increase in hepatic FMO activity. FMO expression and activity correlated with elevated tissue urea levels, but TMAO concentrations were not related. These results indicate that FMO expression and activity may be partially controlled by the osmoregulatory/stress hormone. cortisol, and concentrations of the organic osmolyte, urea, in the rainbow trout.