Genotoxic, cytotoxic and developmental effects of tributyltin oxide (TBTO): an integrated approach to the evaluation of the relative sensitivities oftwo marine species

Adopting an integrated approach the potential genotoxic, cytotoxic and deve lopmental effects of tributyltin oxide (TBTO), a known endocrine-disrupting agent for neogastrapods, have been evaluated in two ecologically relevant invertebrates: Mytilus edulis (blue mussel) and Platynereis dumerilli (rag worm). Following determination of the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) in terms of developmental and survival effects, the embryo-larval stages of these o rganisms were exposed to a range of concentrations of TBTO, and analysed fo r cytotoxic (proliferation rate index) and genotoxic (sister chromatid exch anges and chromosomal aberrations) effects. The study suggested that: (1) T BTO is both toxic and genotoxic to embryo-larval stages of both species; (2 ) at comparable concentrations, for developmental and genotoxic effects, P. dumerilii (non-target species) is more sensitive compared to M. edulis (ta rget species); and (3) genotoxic effects are more closely tied with the dev elopment and survival of the organisms. The study emphasises the need of th e evaluation of genotoxic potential of other endocrine-disrupting agents in different taxonomic groups. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights rese rved.