32P-postlabeling analysis of aromatic DNA-adducts in liver and brain of wild brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)

Several studies have reported the absence of DNA-adducts in fish collected from unpolluted areas. We determined DNA-adduct levels in liver and brain tissue of wild brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) from remote areas of Newfoundland and sub-arctic Labrador, that have no known input of anthropogenic contamination. Varying levels of adducts were detected in both liver and brain, at all locations. Hepatic adduct levels were generally higher than those in brain tissue. Tissue-specific differences in adduct levels and the possible effects of long range transport of air pollutants (LRTAP) are discussed.