Analysis of Stress-Induced Gene Expression in Trout Red Blood cells following Tributyltinchloride Exposure

Submicromolar concentrations of tributyltinchloride (TBTC), an organotin compound, is able to impair mitochondrial activity in trout erythrocytes, as detected by ultrastructural transmission electron microscopy investigations and exhibits pro apoptotic activity in a variety of cells including nucleated red blood cells. Here we show that TBTC is able to induce the expression of hsp70 in rainbow trout (Onchorynchus mykiss) erythrocytes in a time- and dose-dependent manner. This induction was demonstrated by quantification of the relative abundance of mRNA, and the synthesis of hsp70 was detected by means of an immunological test. This study could provide a practical assay of environmental stress at sublethal toxicant concentrations.