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(T/EH075) Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA: a review of it usefulness in genetic ecotoxicology. Becerril, Concepcion 1, Acevedo, Helda 1, Ferrero, Mar 1, Sanz, Felix 1, Castaņo, Argelia2, 1 2 ABSTRACT- The environmental presence of genotoxic chemicals as a consequence of antropogenic activity can potentiality produced changes on individuals that finally could lead to altered structure and dynamics of exposed populations. Monitoring of altered genetic structure of the exposed populations involves the use of methods based on the direct assay of the genomic DNA. A method of DNA profiling using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) shows a good potential as sensitive assay for the detection of xenobiotic-induced DNA damage and give a semiquantitative information over these. The detection of genotoxic effects using this thecnique involves DNA profiles comparison generated from control (unexposed) and treated (exposed) individuals. Variations observed among the studied DNA profiles are then considered as DNA damage. We have been established both optimal conditions and quantitative analysis of the DNA fingerprint using in vitro fish cell systems to better show differences between control and exposed cells to reference genotoxic chemicals. Also we have proved in vivo in vitro correlation for the rainbow trout fingerprint. RAPDs methodology is being applied also as exposure biomarker of exposed populations and/ or in the assessment of acute/ chronic genotoxic exposure of other fish species and on organisms from different trophic levels. Despite of the relatively recent development of this methodology and although its use on genetic ecotoxicology is already reduced, the good results obtained becomes this technique as a powerful tool for the detection of adverse effects on DNA. This work shows a review of its usefulness in genetic ecotoxicology field Financed by: CICYT AMB97-0431 Key words: RAPD, DNA fingerprint, DNA damage, genetic ecotoxicology |
