Hepatic Biotransformation of Environmental Xenobiotics in Six Strains of Rainbow Trout (Salmo gairdneri)

Abstract

Six strains of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri), each geographically and genetically distinct, were compared in relation to their capacity for hepatic hydroxylation of aniline and benzo[a]pyrene, and reduction of p-nitrobenzoic acid to p-aminobenzoic acid, in vitro. The effects of 3-methylcholanthrene on stimulation of nitro reductase and aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase were examined. For the three systems studied, a significant pattern was observed with respect to each strain’s capacity for metabolism. Induction experiments suggested that environment may influence gene expression. Enzyme kinetics and spectral properties were also examined, and mechanisms causing variability within and among strains were discussed.