Application of the comet assay in erythrocytes of Oreochromis niloticus (Pisces): a methodological comparison

The present study applied the comet assay to erythrocytes of Oreochromis niloticus with the aim of improving protocols to detect DNA damage in these cells, by using two distinct pHs (pH = 12.1 and pH > 13) and evaluating whether there is a correspondence between silver and ethidium bromide staini...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Christofoletti, Cintya A. [UNESP], David, José Augusto O., Fontanetti, Carmem S. [UNESP]
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2009
País:Brasil
Institución:Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP)
Repositorio:Repositório Institucional da UNESP
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:repositorio.unesp.br:11449/19640
Acceso en línea:http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1415-47572009005000020
http://hdl.handle.net/11449/19640
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:comet assay
ethidium bromide
silver staining
tilapia
Descripción
Sumario:The present study applied the comet assay to erythrocytes of Oreochromis niloticus with the aim of improving protocols to detect DNA damage in these cells, by using two distinct pHs (pH = 12.1 and pH > 13) and evaluating whether there is a correspondence between silver and ethidium bromide staining. Comets were visually examined and, the frequency of cells with and without damage was obtained, as well as the distribution of classes and scores. By using the Kruskal-Wallis test, our results revealed that pH 12.1 is more effective, although both pHs can be used. Our findings also suggest that silver staining can substitute ethidium bromide, an expensive and highly toxic stain that requires specific equipment for examination.