Abstract
The hepatic aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase of the cunner (Tautogolabrus adspersus) is a sensitive indicator of petroleum contamination. This fish is a particularly favorable species because of its limited home range and ease of capture. Oil concentrations of 1–2 mg/L in water caused two- to sixfold induction of the enzyme above uninduced levels; induction decayed in < 7 d after exposure ceased. Feeding of crude oil or mussel tissue contaminated with oil at a concentration of 500 mg/kg caused up to fivefold induction. Males maintained a constant specific activity of aryl hydroxylase through the season, but females had a decreased activity before spawning. Starvation may also have reduced AHH activity. Correlations with liver and body weight were not observed. 2,5-Diphenyloxazole was found to be a safe substitute for benzo[a]pyrene in the assay. Key words: cunner, mixed function oxidase, aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase, oil pollution, monitoring, biochemistry
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