Micronucleus test in reptiles: Current and future perspectives

Micronucleus (MN) cell counting emerged in 1973–1975 as a valid alternative for characterizing chromosomal damage caused by different agents. It was first described in mammals, but its application was rapidly extended to other vertebrates, mainly fish. However, it was not until 28 years later that t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Mutation research. Genetic toxicology and environmental mutagenesis 2024-07, Vol.897, p.503772, Article 503772
Main Authors: Odetti, L.M., Paravani, E.V., Simoniello, Ma.F., Poletta, G.L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Crocodilia
Genotoxicity
Micronuclei
Nuclear abnormalities
Squamata
Testudines
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Summary:Micronucleus (MN) cell counting emerged in 1973–1975 as a valid alternative for characterizing chromosomal damage caused by different agents. It was first described in mammals, but its application was rapidly extended to other vertebrates, mainly fish. However, it was not until 28 years later that this test was implemented in studies on reptiles. Nowadays, reptiles are found to be excellent non-target species from environmental contamination exposure and MN test has become a fundamental tool for analyzing genotoxic effects induced by various xenobiotics. In this article we provide an updated review of the application of the MN test in reptile species, from an ecotoxicological perspective. Therefore, we present (I) a bibliometric analysis of the available research on genotoxic-induced MN formation in reptile species; (II) the use of reptiles as sentinel organisms in ecotoxicological studies; and (III) the strength and weakness of the application of the MN test in this group. With this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive view on the use of the MN test in ecotoxicology and to encourage further studies involving reptile species. •Environmental contaminants induce MN and NA formation in reptiles.•reptiles are excellent non-target species for environmental contamination.•MN test applied to 32 out of the 12.060 reptile species worldwide.•Crocodilians are the reptile group most studied (11.11 % of total).•The main pollutants reported are pesticides, followed by heavy metals.
ISSN:1383-5718
1879-3592
1879-3592
DOI:10.1016/j.mrgentox.2024.503772