Erythrocytic Micronuclei in Wild Fish from Lakes Superior and Ontario that have Pollution-Associated Neoplasia

Abstract

The frequency of erythrocytic micronuclei was determined in the peripheral circulation of brown bullheads ( Ictalurus nebulosus) and white suckers ( Catostomus commersoni) captured in locations known to contain mutagenic chemicals. The populations of bullheads and suckers from these areas also have abnormal rates of liver neoplasia. The frequency of micronuclei or abnormal nuclei in these fish was not elevated compared to the frequency in fish populations without liver neoplasia collected from reference locations. The inability of the erythrocytic micronucleus test to detect carcinogenic and mutagenic chemicals known in these areas suggests that this test has limited usefulness.