SREL Reprint #2088

DNA damage and radiocesium in channel catfish from Chernobyl

Derrick W. Sugg1, John W. Bickham2, Janet A. Brooks1, Michael D. Lomakin3, Charles H. Jagoe1, Cham E. Dallas4, Michael H. Smith1, Robert J. Baker5, and Ronald K. Chesser1

1Division of Wildlife Ecology and Toxicology, University of Georgia Savannah River Ecology Laboratory,
P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, South Carolina 29802, USA
2Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A & M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA
3International Research and Development Agency, P.O. Box 158, 252001 Kiev-1, Ukraine
4Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
5Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, USA

Abstract: The explosion of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant resulted in some of the most radioactively contaminated habitats on earth. Despite evacuation of all human inhabitants from the most contaminated areas, animals and plants continue to thrive in these areas. This study examines the levels of contamination and genetic damage associated with radiocesium in catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) from the cooling pond and a control site. In general, catfish from the cooling pond exhibit greater genetic damage, and the amount of damage is related to the concentration of radiocesium in individual fish. Genetic damage is primarily in the form of DNA strand breaks, with few micronuclei being observed in contaminated fish. The possible roles that acclimation and adaption play in the response to high levels of radiation exposure are discussed.

Keywords: Catfish, Chernobyl DNA damage, Micronuclei, Radiocesium

SREL Reprint #2088

Sugg, D.W., M.D. Lomakin, J.A. Brooks, M.H. Smith, J.W. Bickham, R.J. Baker, and R.K. Chesser. 1996. DNA damage and radiocesium in channel catfish from Chernobyl. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 15:1057-1063.

This information was provided by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (srel.uga.edu).