Cytochrome p4501A induction in the Antarctic fish Trematomus bernacchii

Most studies on levels of pollution in populated areas of Antarctica such as around McMurdo Station have focussed on chemical analyses of sediments and fish tissue and changes in population structure of microorganisms and invertebrates. However little work has been done to assess changes occurring at the cellular level in organisms. Since cellular changes can occur before high levels of contaminants accumulate in tissues, the potential exists for assessing even low levels of pollution by measuring changes in gene induction and protein activity. In this project, the Cytochrome p450 gene was evaluated as a sensitive indicator of organic pollution in the Antarctic, and used to determine low levels of organic pollution on fish health.

Publications

Miller, H.C. et al. Induction of cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) in Trematomus bernacchii as an indicator of environmental pollution in Antarctica: assessment by quantitative RT-PCR. Aquatic toxicology 44: 183-193, 1999.

Miller, H.C. Cytochrome p4501A induction in the Antarctic fish Trematomus bernacchi. MSc, University of Auckland, 1997.