Induction of phenol-type sulfotransferase and glucuronosyltransferase in channel catfish and mummichog

Conjugation of phenolic xenobiotics and metabolites through sulfation and glucuronidation is an important biotransformation pathway. Sulfotransferases (SULT) are generally considered non-inducible, while some UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) isoenzymes are co-induced with cytochrome P450-1A by Ah-receptor ligands. To test these assumptions for two fish species, we measured sulfation and glucuronidation of 9-hydroxybenzo[a]pyrene in 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC) treated channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and in mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus) from the creosote contaminated Atlantic Wood site in the Elizabeth River, VA. The results show a significant induction of both UGT and SULT activity in 3-MC treated catfish, linked to the expected induction of EROD activity. In mummichog, significant induction of UGT was measured at the contaminated site over the reference site (King's Creek, VA), as well as extremely low SULT activities at both sites. Western blots, using a polyclonal antibody for catfish phenol-type SULT, confirmed the absence of phenol-type SULT in mummichog. Residual, though slightly inducible, SULT activity may be attributed to other SULT isoforms.