METALLOTHIONEIN DETERMINATION IN THE LIVER OF THE SEA BASS DICENTRARCHUS-LABRAX TREATED WITH COPPER AND B(A)P

Metallothioneins (MTs) were quantified in the liver of the sea bass Di centrarchus labrax treated by intraperitoneal injection of copper (500 ng g(-1)), of benzo(a)pyrene (20 mu g g(-1)), and of copper (500 ng g (-1)) and benzo(a)pyrene (20 mu g g(-1)). Two methods of determination of MTs were used: differential pulse polarography and spectrophotomet ry. Results showed a good correlation between the MT levels determined by both methods. When fishes were injected with copper, their MT leve ls were lower than in the case of controls, probably due to the toxic effect of copper whereas when fishes were injected with both pollutant s there was a 2-fold increase in MT level, compared to controls. rn th e case of injection with BaP alone, hepatic MT level was evert lower t han that of controls or in the fishes treated with copper. (C) 1997 El sevier Science Ltd.