Accumulation and biotransformation of tri-N-butyltin by isolated rainbow trout hepatocytes

Abstract

In the present study, metabolism of tributyltin (TBT) by isolated trout hepatocytes was investigated over a short exposure time. For this, the cells were exposed to TBT, and the determination of TBT and possible metabolites was performed. Cell viability and cytochrome P-450 activity were also measured. After 15 min of exposure to 1 μM TBT, 72 ± 23% of the total tin recovery was observed in the cellular fraction, and about 3 and 4% of the total amount of tin was recovered as dibutyltin (DBT) in the cells and incubation medium, respectively. The amount of DBT leveled off after 15 min, probably because of the inhibition of cytochrome P-450. Thus, TBT is metabolized by fish hepatocytes. However, as it also inhibits cytochrome P-450 activity, it has the potential to alter its own metabolism and that of other environmental pollutants.