Cytochrome P4501A1 induction in Kenai River sculpin (Cottus spp.) as a monitor of freshwater pollution effects

Freshwater sculpin were taken from various locations in the Kenai River to determine their in-vivo response to pollution exposure. The specific activity of cytochrome P4501A1 was determined using fluorescence detection of the 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-dealkylase (EROD) reaction. The EROD specific activity was found to be independent of river miles but appeared to relate to specific sites of urban runoff. Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities were also measured but showed no significant difference between sites. Cytochrome P450 laboratory induction studies were carried out on individuals collected from a pristine site. Five groups of 10 fish were dosed from 10–150 mg β-Naphthoftavone (βNF)/kg body weight. The response was linear from 10–50 mg βNF/kg body weight. Sculpin appear to have excellent potential as a sensitive indicator of xenobiotic exposure in a freshwater benthic habitat.