Fate and the Biochemical Effects of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene Exposure to Tiger Salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum)

Biotransformation, metabolic enzyme profiles, and the glutathione antioxidant system in tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum) from a 14-day exposure to 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) in situ were examined. Concentrations of parent compound and metabolites were measured in skin, kidney, and liver tissue. In addition, cytochrome P450 (P450) and cytochrome b5 content and their dependent isozyme activities, ethoxyresorufin O-dealkylation, pentoxyresorufin O-dealkylation, and the glutathione antioxidant system in the skin, liver, lung, kidneys, and blood were evaluated. Considerable differences were found in relative concentrations of TNT and its metabolites in the skin, relative to the liver and kidney. Trace amounts of TNT were detected only in the skin and liver of exposed animals while one of the secondary reduction metabolites, 2,6-diaminonitrotoluene, was found only in liver and kidney. Differences in the metabolite concentrations between systemic organs (liver, kidneys) and the skin suggest that the skin may be important in the primary reduction of TNT. In addition, measurable levels of these basal enzyme indicators were detected; yet of those evaluated only hepatic P450 content was affected by TNT exposure. The qualitative and quantitative differences in TNT and its metabolites in tissues suggest the fate and metabolism of the TNT in salamanders. Furthermore, results indicate that tiger salamanders possess considerable levels of xenobiotic metabolizing and antioxidant enzymes in these tissues but are not sensitive indicators of TNT exposure.