Genotoxicity Assessment in Fishes : A Practical Approach

Contents Preface. 1. Environmental stressors and genotoxicity. 2. Basics of laboratory reagents preparation. 3. Basics of blood collection. 4. Whole blood lymphocyte culture. 5. Probit analysis for acute toxicity bioassay. 6. Chromosome aberration test. 7. Sister chromatid exchange assay. 8. Micronucleus assay. 9. Single cell gel electrophoresis. 10. DNA damage detection by random amplified polymorphic DNA. 11. Ultra thin isoelectric focusing of proteins. Annexure selected readings. Studies on genotoxicity aspects have gained significance since environmental pollution has adversely affected a wide range of organisms thereby threatening the very existence of different species. The aim of this book is to provide the basic and practical information on different cytogenetic and molecular assays used for genotoxicity evaluation in aquatic organisms particularly fishes. The techniques covered in the book range from simple procedure of micronuclei detection in peripheral blood erythrocytes to a relatively advanced single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) or comet assay. All the methods described in the book are being used routinely in the institute and therefore tested. Significant features of the book include probit analysis for acute toxicity bioassay basics of blood collection lymphocyte culture chromosome aberration test and sister chromatid exchanges in fishes. It also includes a chapter on random amplified polymorphic DNA and ultra thin isoelectric focusing of proteins for assessment of DNA damage in fishes. This book will be useful for the researcher who wish to initiate work on genetic toxicology in fishes as well as for those who are facing difficulties in using these techniques. 126 pp.…