Profenofos induced DNA damage in freshwater fish, Channa punctatus (Bloch) using alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the induced genotoxicity (DNA damage) due to organophosphate pesticide profenofos (PFF) in gill cells of freshwater fish Channa punctatus using single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE)/Comet assay. The 96 h LC50 value of PFF (50% EC) was estimated for the fish species in a semistatic system and then three sub-lethal of LC50 concentrations viz the sub-lethal 1, sub-lethal 2 and sub-lethal 3 concentrations were determined as 0.58 ppb, 1.16 ppb and 1.74 ppb, respectively. The fish specimens were exposed to these concentrations of the pesticide and the gill tissue samplings were done on 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h post exposure for assessment of DNA damage in terms of percentage of DNA in comet tails. In general, a concentration dependent response was observed in the gill cells with induction of maximum DNA damage at the highest concentration of PFF. The results of the present investigation indicated that PFF could potentially induce genotoxic effect in fish, even in sub-lethal concentrations and SCGE as a sensitive and reliable tool for in vivo assessment of DNA damage caused by the genotoxic agents. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.