DNA damage induced by organotins on trout-nucleated erythrocytes

The effect of tributyltin-chloride (TBTC), dibutyltin-chloride (DBTC) and m onobutyltin-chloride (MBTC) on rainbow trout (Salmo irideus) nuclear DNA, w as investigated by means of single cell gel electrophoresis ('comet' assay) . Our data show that TBTC presents a marked genotoxic effect, whereas the g enotoxic effect is less pronounced for DBTC and it is completely absent for MBTC. These results could be important in evaluating the environmental ris ks deriving from the use of these molecules as a antifouling agents in mari ne paints and as agricultural biocides, Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Son s, Ltd.