Combined use of biochemical indicators to assess sublethal pollution effects on the Gulf Killifish (Fundulus grandis)

Total cytochrome P-450 content, aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) and ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activities, and the specific induction of the LM4b isozyme of the cytochrome P-450 system were measured in the livers of gulf killifish from the heavily polluted Bayou Chico. Similar determinations were carried out on variously treated fish (uninjected, of pretreated with 3-methylcholanthrene (3MC), phenylbarbital (PB) or corn oil) from the unpolluted Santa Rosa Sound. EROD, AHH and LM4b were induced in the 3MC-treated fish and, to a lesser extent, in fish from the Bayou Chico. This was consistent with the reported presence of PAHs in Bayou Chico, and demonstrated the utility of biochemical indicators in determining sublethal pollution effects in gulf killifish.