prev next front |1 |2 |3 |4 |5 |6 |7 |8 |9 |10 |11 |12 |13 |14 |15 |16 |17 |18 |19 |20 |review
Liver cell carcinoma (hepatoma) in rainbow trout, caused by aflotoxins produced by the fungus Aspergillus flavus attacking cottonseed meal is a clear case of cancer in fishes. Although trout are susceptible to this aflotoxin damage, carp are resistant. Normal hepatocytes are replaced by small hyperplastic cells that stain deeply as normal sinusoids are lost. Cancer is rare in fishes and the effects of diet are virtually unknown. Since 1965, the Registry of Tumors in Lower Vertebrates, US National Museum of Natural History, Washington has offered diagnostic help. The PLHC-1 fish hepatoma cell line (Poeciliopsis lucida) is used to evaluate the acute cytotoxicities of direct-acting (alkylbenzenes, phthalate diesters, pesticides and metabolism-mediated benzo[a]pyrene toxicants along with Aroclor 1254. It is a chemical inducer of cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenase activity), and was reduced by EPN (an inhibitor of P450 activity). Such pioneer cancer assessment efforts deserve MUCH MORE SUPPORT.