Micronucleus experiments in Reptiles

POLETTA, GISELA L.; SIROSKI, PABLO ARIEL

The Micronucleus Assay in Toxicology

Royal Society of Chemistry

Lugar: Cambridge; Año: 2019; p. 243 - 258

Reptiles remain to be the group of vertebrates less studied in genetic toxicology, even though they have very interesting characteristics. Our studies conducted with native crocodiles, lizards, and turtles demonstrated the sensitivity of the micronucleus (MN) test as a good indicator for genotoxicity biomonitoring. Reptiles are relevant components of the ecosystems and represent important resources that contribute to the regional economy. This leads to awareness and commitment of local people in the protection of the ecosystem that contains them. In contrast, environmental pressure produced by increased pollution would significantly disrupt the diversity and variability of these resources. Our studies confirmed that the MN test is a highly suitable tool for detection of DNA damage caused by chemical and physical agents also in reptiles, under different conditions of exposure and in different life stages, as it was widely reported for other vertebrates.