Localization of cytochrome P4501A in liver and extrahepatic organs of the pilot whale, Globiocephala melaena
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA (United States)
Marine mammals may be important indicators of effects of contaminants that are globally distributed. Recently the authors described apparent environmental induction of hepatic CYPLA in beluga whales. Here they describe the localization and extent of CYPLA expression in organs of the pilot whale. Tissues from 18 pilot whales stranded on Cape Cod in 1990/91 were frozen in liquid N2 or fixed in formalin and embedded. Liver microsomal EROD activity were comparable to results with other cetaceans. Immunohistochemical analysis showed a periportal localization of CYPLA in liver parenchyma, and staining in the endothelium. Renal staining was strong in brush border and endothelium. Testis, ovary, and spleen showed CYPLA staining only in endothelium. Adrenal zona fasciculata and zona reticularis stained more weakly than did endothelium. In lung there was mild staining of bronchiolar epithelium and strong staining of endothelium. The results indicate that active concentrations of inducer have penetrated throughout the body. CYPLA stained in dermal endothelium, indicating that analysis of skin biopsies could allow nondestructive analysis of CYPLA induction in marine mammals. CYPLA expression in these whales was surprisingly strong, suggesting the possibility of chemical effects related to CYPLA induction.
- OSTI ID:
- 85967
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9410273-; TRN: IM9534%%38
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 15. annual meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC), Denver, CO (United States), 30 Oct - 3 Nov 1994; Other Information: PBD: 1994; Related Information: Is Part Of Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 15th annual meeting: Abstract book. Ecological risk: Science, policy, law, and perception; PB: 286 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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