Genotoxic evaluation of the pyrethroid lambda-cyhalothrin using the micronucleus test in erythrocytes of the fish Cheirodon interruptus interruptus

In order to develop experimental models able to detect genotoxic effects of pollutants in aquatic organisms, the genotoxicity of the pyrethroid lambda-cyhalothrin was studied using the micronucleus test in erythrocytes of Cheirodon interruptus interruptus. The frequency of micronuclei was examined in blood smears obtained from fishes exposed in vivo to three different concentrations (0.05; 0.01; 0.001 ug/l) of the compound and sacrificed at nine sampling times (24, 48, 72, 96 h and 8, 12, 15, 19 and 23 days). As a positive control fishes were exposed to 5 mg/l of cyclophosphamide. Results obtained demonstrated the genotoxic effects of the pyrethroid in the experimental model employed, The variation in the micronuclei frequencies in the different sampling times could be related to the blood cell kinetics and the erythrocyte replacement. The results could be considered as a validation of the MN test in fishes for the assessment of genotoxic pollutants. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.