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Copper exposure failed to induce caspase-3 activation in gills of the teleost fish, Oreochromis niloticus

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 August 2009

M. Calejo
Affiliation:
Lab Cell Biology, ICBAS-Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4099-003 Porto, Portugal
S. M. Monteiro
Affiliation:
Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, UTAD-University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-911 Vila Real, Portugal
A. Fontaínhas-Fernandes
Affiliation:
Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, UTAD-University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-911 Vila Real, Portugal
M. Sousa
Affiliation:
Lab Cell Biology, ICBAS-Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4099-003 Porto, Portugal

Abstract

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Copper, an essential trace element, becomes toxic when its concentration exceeds certain natural levels. Recent in vitro studies demonstrated that copper overload of cells may induce apoptosis through caspase-3 activation. However, the precise mechanism of copper-induced apoptosis in fish is still unclear, even less in O. niloticus where no studies have been reported so far. Accordingly, the main aim of this study was to find if copper induces apoptosis in Oreochromis niloticus gill, through the caspase pathway. Additionally, we intended to evaluate the potential use of activated caspase-3 expression as a waterborne copper biomarker.

Type
Life Sciences
Copyright
Copyright © Microscopy Society of America 2009