Genotoxic, cytotoxic and developmental effects of tributyltin oxide (TBTO): an integrated approach to the evaluation of the relative sensitivities of two marine species

Adopting an integrated approach the potential genotoxic, cytotoxic and developmental effects of tributyltin oxide (TBTO), a known endocrine-disrupting agent for neogastropods, have been evaluated in two ecologically relevant invertebrates: Mytilus edulis (blue mussel) and Platynereis dumerilli (rag worm). Following determination of the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) in terms of developmental and survival effects, the embryo-larval stages of these organisms were exposed to a range of concentrations of TBTO, and analysed for cytotoxic (proliferation rate index) and genotoxic (sister chromatid exchanges and chromosomal aberrations) effects. The study suggested that: (1) TBTO is both toxic and genotoxic to embryo-larval stages of both species; (2) at comparable concentrations, for developmental and genotoxic effects, P. dumerilii (non-target species) is more sensitive compared to M. edulis (target species); and (3) genotoxic effects are more closely tied with the development and survival of the organisms. The study emphasises the need of the evaluation of genotoxic potential of other endocrine-disrupting agents in different taxonomic groups.