Species-dependent sensitivity to contaminants: An approach using primary hepatocyte cultures with three marine fish species

There is limited knowledge about the sensitivity of different fish species to environmental pollutants. Such information is pivotal in risk assessment and to understand why some species appear to be more tolerant to contaminants than others. The aim of the current study was to evaluate whether primary hepatocyte cultures of three marine fish species could be established in the field and whether their sensitivity to selected contaminants would differ. Primary hepatocyte cultures of three marine fish species (plaice, long rough dab, Atlantic cod) were established and exposed for 24 h to copper (20–2500 mg L−1) and statins (1–200 mg L−1). Endpoints were esterase activity, metabolic activity and reduced glutathione (GSH) content, all using fluorescent probes. Flatfish hepatocytes were more susceptible to copper and statin exposure than hepatocytes from cod. This study has shown that species-dependent differences in contaminant sensitivity can be investigated using primary hepatocyte cultures.

► Hepatocytes of plaice, long rough dab, Atlantic cod were isolated in the field.
► Hepatocytes were exposed for 24 h to copper and statins.
► Dose-dependent toxicity was measured in all fish.
► Hepatocytes of the flatfish were most susceptible.