Exposure to Toxic Chemicals Affects Cytochrome P450 Transcript Expression in Early Development in Two Teleost Fish, Killifish and Zebrafish

Abstract

SyntheQc chemicals with biological acQvity, many of which can adversely affect the health of marine organisms, are present in the world’s oceans. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been linked to endocrine disrupQon1, developmental toxicity and neurotoxicity2. The killifish populaQon of New Bedford Harbor (NBH), MA has evolved mechanisms to deal with PCBs and has remained reproducQvely prolific3. Zebrafish are a good lab model to test the sole effects of maternal PCB treatment, thus eliminaQng other environmental factors that may affect CYP transcript expression within the killifish populaQon. Cytochrome P450s (CYPs), heme-­‐containing proteins that funcQon in both endogenous and exogenous chemical metabolism, aid in the metabolism of PCBs. Li\le is known as to whether CYPs contribute to embryonic development or serve a funcQon in the developing xenobioQc response of the embryo.