Genotoxicological analyses of insectivorous bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) in central Brazil: The oral epithelium as an indicator of environmental quality

• Published in: Environmental pollution (1987) Vol. 245; pp. 504 - 509
• Main Authors: Benvindo-Souza, Marcelino, Borges, Rinneu Elias, Pacheco, Susi Missel, Santos, Lia Raquel de Souza
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.02.2019
• Subjects: Biomarker; Conservation; Ecotoxicology; Exfoliated cells; Nuclear abnormality; Biomarker; Nuclear abnormality; Ecotoxicology; Exfoliated cells; Conservation
• ISSN: 0269-7491; 1873-6424
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.11.015

The micronucleus (MN) test of the human buccal mucosa was developed more than 30 years ago, although this technique has only recently been applied to wild mammals. This paper presents a pioneering study in the genotoxicological evaluation of the exfoliated cells of the buccal mucosa of bats. The assay was applied to two insectivorous bat species (Noctilio albiventris and Pteronotus parnellii) sampled in riparian corridors located in the city of Palmas (capital of the Brazilian state of Tocantins), with the results being compared with those obtained for a third insectivorous species (Nyctinomops laticaudatus), which has established a colony under a road bridge in the same region. This colony represents one of the largest molossidae populations ever recorded in Brazil. A significantly higher frequency of micronuclei was recorded in this colony, as well as a number of other nuclear abnormalities, including binucleated cells, cells with condensed chromatin and karyolysis, in comparison with the bats from the riparian corridors, indicating that the bats from the bridge colony are more susceptible to genotoxic damage. Thus, it is demonstrated the importance of the biomarker (MN) for use in wild animals and allows to conclude that colony bats are more susceptible to genotoxic damages. [Display omitted] •Here, the micronucleus test was applied on exfoliated cells in buccal mucosa of bats.•The test showed sensitivity for detecting micronuclei and nuclear abnormalities.•Bats belong to one of the largest colonies ever recorded in Brazil.•We recommend using the wildlife monitoring test.