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Altered expression of glutathione S-transferases in the liver of xenobiotic-resistant mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus)

Conference ·
OSTI ID:372521
; ; ;  [1]
  1. Coll. of William and Mary, Gloucester Point, VA (United States)
Aquatic organisms frequently inhabit areas where biochemical adaptations to harsh chemical environments are necessary for survival. In the Elizabeth River VA, a population of mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus) inhabits a site severely contaminated with PAH of creosote origin. Although hepatic neoplasms are observed in adult mummichog, these fish are resistant to the acute effects of creosote contaminated sediments. The laboratory is currently investigating biochemical mechanisms of resistance in these fish and the role that biochemical adaptations play in the carcinogenic process. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) levels and activity are elevated three- to four-fold in livers of mummichog collected from the contaminated site relative to that of clean reference sites (Fish Physiol. Biochem. 9, 369, 1991). GSTs from livers of adult mummichog from resistant and reference site fish were purified by S-hexylglutathione affinity chromatography and isoelectric focusing. At least four forms were observed from each population with similar isoelectric focusing patterns in the basic pH range. However, there were differences in staining intensities of a protein with an isoelectric point of 8.1. Antibodies to mammalian GST 7-7, an important form that is overexpressed and involved in drug resistance in various tumor cell lines, did not recognize any present forms in mummichog liver. Monoclonal antibodies are currently being developed for the GST forms in resistant mummichog in order to allow a better understanding of factors influencing their regulation.
OSTI ID:
372521
Report Number(s):
CONF-9511137--; ISBN 1-880611-03-1
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English