ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to develop and validate a method for assessing the toxicological risk of endangered populations of pinnipeds based on a nondestructive biological tool, the skin biopsy specimen. Skin biopsies can be obtained from pinnipeds by anaesthetising the animals and taking a small amount of skin in the anterior flipper area, or by shooting a biopsy dart with a crossbow. Skin biopsy material is suitable for a wide range of chemical and biomarker analysis. Organochlorines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons can be analysed in subcutaneous fat and MFO activity (BPMO), Cyt.P450 isoforms, and DNA damage can be detected in epidermis.
Subject(s)
Caniformia/metabolism , Microsomes, Liver/enzymology , Mixed Function Oxygenases/analysis , Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/analysis , Seals, Earless/metabolism , Skin/enzymology , Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis , Animals , Argentina , Biomarkers/analysis , Biopsy , Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System/analysis , Environmental Exposure , Female , Isoenzymes/analysis , Male , Microsomes, Liver/metabolism , Mixed Function Oxygenases/metabolism , Pesticide Residues/analysis , Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/metabolism , Seawater/chemistry , Skin/pathology , Toxicity TestsABSTRACT
The fingerprint of 14 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was investigated in biopsy, fur, blood, liver and faeces of live and dead specimens of two Argentinian population of southern sea lion (Otaria flavescens). One colony lives in Mar del Plata harbour which is particularly polluted with petroleum, the second (control) colony lives at Punta Bermeja (Patagonia). The highest concentrations of the five carcinogenic PAHs were found in the Mar del Plata sea lions.
