Effects of gamma ionizing radiation exposure on Danio rerio embryo-larval stages - comparison with tritium exposure

• Published in: Journal of hazardous materials Vol. 408; p. 124866
• Main Authors: Gagnaire, Beatrice, Arcanjo, Caroline, Cavalié, Isabelle, Camilleri, Virginie, Simon, Olivier, Dubourg, Nicolas, Floriani, Magali, Adam-Guillermin, Christelle
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 15.04.2021; Elsevier
• Subjects: Embryo-larvae stages; Environmental Sciences; Gamma irradiation; Molecular responses; Tritium; Zebrafish, Danio rerio; Tritium; Gamma irradiation; Zebrafish, Danio rerio; Embryo-larvae stages; Molecular responses
• ISSN: 0304-3894; 1873-3336
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124866

The objective was to investigate the effects of ionizing radiation induced in zebrafish early life stages by coupling responses obtained at the molecular (genotoxicity, ROS production, gene expression) and phenotypic (tissue alteration, embryo-larval development) levels. Here we present results obtained after exposure of 3 hpf larvae to 10 days of gamma irradiation at 3.3 × 101, 1.3 × 102 and 1.2 × 103 µGy/h, close to and higher than the benchmark for protection of ecosystems towards ionizing radiations of 101 µGy/h. Dose rates used in these studies were chosen to be in the ‘derived consideration reference level’ (DCRL) for gamma irradiation where deleterious effects can appear in freshwater fish. Also, these dose rates were similar to the ones already tested on tritium (beta ionizing radiation) in our previous work, in order to compare both types of ionizing radiation. Results showed that gamma irradiation did not induce any effect on survival and hatching. No effect was observed on DNA damages, but ROS production was increased. Muscle damages were observed for all tested dose rates, similarly to previous results obtained with tritium (beta ionizing radiation) at similar dose rates. Some molecular responses therefore appeared to be relevant for the study of gamma ionizing radiation effects in zebrafish. [Display omitted] •This study evaluated the effects of gamma irradiation on zebrafish embryo-larvae.•Larvae were exposed to different dose rates: 3.3 × 101, 1.34 × 102 and 1.24 × 103 µGy/h.•Several endpoints were evaluated: embryo-larval development, muscular tissue, genotoxicity, ROS production, gene expression.•The results showed that gamma irradiation induced molecular changes, ROS production and tissue alterations.•The differences and similarities between the mode of actions of ionizing radiations (tritium) were discussed.