SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1996
STP11707S

Utilizing Biomarker Techniques: Cellular Membrane Potential as a Biomarker of Subchronic Toxicity

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A biomarker assay designed to monitor the health of Daphnia sp. as well as evaluate sites of toxicant action was used to study the toxic effects of copper, diazinon, and polyacrylamide. The assay used the uptake of a fluorescent cellular membrane-bound dye and corresponding fluorescence measurement as an early indicator of change in cellular membrane potential. This change in the membrane potential is an indicator of potential cellular stress. Following short-term exposure to the electrochromic dye, di-4-ANEPPS, and the toxicants, fluorescence readings were collected, stored in a database management system, and output for graphical display and statistical analysis. Median inhibitory concentrations (IC50), No Observed Effect Concentrations (NOEC), and Lowest Observed Effect Concentrations (LOEC) values for copper were approximately 52.6, 35.0, and 50.0 μg/L. The approximate IC50, NOEC, LOEC values for diazinon and polyacrylamide were 0.45, 0.25, and 0.50 μg/L; and 350.0, 300.0, and 500.0 μg/L, respectively. Fluorescence microscopy indicated that copper primarily affected the mouth parts (orofacial) and digestive tract. Diazinon, however, primarily caused an effect on the anterior portion of the nervous system. Polyacrylamide appeared to induce toxicity throughout the entire epithelial layer of the Daphnia. These results suggested this assay may be effectively used to monitor for organism stress or toxicity as well as evaluate potential sites of toxic action.

Author Information

Fort, DJ
THE STOVER GROUP, Stillwater, OK
Stover, EL
THE STOVER GROUP, Stillwater, OK
Burks, SL
THE STOVER GROUP, Stillwater, OK
Atherton, RA
THE STOVER GROUP, Stillwater, OK
Blankemeyer, JT
Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK
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Details
Developed by Committee: E47
Pages: 177–187
DOI: 10.1520/STP11707S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-5345-5
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-2031-0