Assessment of Genotoxicity of Methyl Parathion in Zebrafish by Use of the Micronucleus Test

Burak Gokce, Onur Musmula, Sema İsisag Ucuncu

It was aimed to assessment the genotoxic potential of methyl parathion (MP) on zebrafish (Danio rerio), by using micronucleus test. Twenty adult zebrafish were exposed to three different concentrations (1, 1.5, 3 mg/L) of MP for 96 h. In addition to negative controls, cyclophosphamide monohydrate (4mg/L) was used as a reference genotoxic agent for positive controls. Peripheral blood samples were collected from all of the specimens and stained with acridine orange. The immature, polychromatic (PCEs) and mature, monochromatic (MCEs) erythrocytes were identified by their staining intensity and scored. The ratio of PCEs/MCEs were calculated, analyzed and compared.  In parallel with increased concentrations of MP, the micronucleated PCEs were increased in number, while a decline in the ratio of the PCEs/MCEs was recorded. The results revealed that MP has a short-time genotoxic effects on zebrafish.