genotoxicological study in Persian gulf on rock oyster [Soccostrea cucullata] using micronuclei and RAPID assays

ABSTRACT

Both micronuclei [MN] and binuclei [BN] as well as RAPD [Random Amplifying Polymorphism of DNA] assays are newly biomarkers which are well-introduced in toxic injury and related genotoxicity studies in bivalve, fishes and even humans. However, there is no record of such studies in Iranian Persian Gulf coast line so far. For this propose, we analyzed frequency of MN and RAPD patterns in gill cells of rock oyster [soccostrea cucullata] [n=30] collected from two area including Dayer [as reference area] and Mahshahr which was already shown oil contaminant are relatively high in this area owing to be oil vessel terminal. Our results showed micronuclei frequency is significantly higher in rock oysters of Mahshahr than Dayer area [p<0.05]. Binuclei cells were also observed in some individuals of Mahshahr. Besides, RAPD analysis indicated less diversity in polluted area individuals. The results of this study suggest that MN and RAPD analyses can be easily considered as a useful tool for assessment of diverse pollution on aquatic organism in coastal area of Persian Gulf