Non invasive high resolution in vivo imaging of alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) induced hepatobiliary toxicity in STII medaka

A critical review of histopathological findings associated with endocrine and non-endocrine hepatic toxicity in fish models

Although frequently examined as a target organ for non-endocrine toxicity, histopathological evaluation of the liver is becoming a routine component of endocrine disruption studies that utilize various fish species as test subjects. However, the interpretation of microscopic liver findings can be challenging, especially when attempting to distinguish adverse changes associated with endocrine disrupting substances from those caused by systemic or direct hepatic toxicity. The purpose of this project was to conduct a critical assessment of the available peer-reviewed and grey literature concerning the histopathologic effects of reproductive endocrine active substances (EAS) and non-endocrine acting substances in the livers of fish models, and to determine if liver histopathology can be used to reliably distinguish endocrine from non-endocrine etiologies. The results of this review suggest that few compound-specific histopathologic liver effects have been identified, among which are estrogen agonist-induced increases in hepatocyte basophilia and proteinaceous intravascular fluid in adult male teleosts, and potentially, decreased hepatocyte basophilia in female fish exposed to substances that possess androgenic, anti-estrogenic, or aromatase inhibitory activity. This review also used published standardized methodology to assess the credibility of the histopathology data in each of the 117 articles that reported liver effects of treatment, and consequently it was determined that in only 37% of those papers were the data considered either highly credible or credible. The outcome of this work highlights the value of histopathologic liver evaluation as an investigative tool for EAS studies, and provides information that may have implications for EAS hazard assessment.

Early life exposure to a rodent carcinogen propiconazole fungicide induces oxidative stress and hepatocarcinogenesis in medaka fish

Conazole pollution is an emerging concern to human health and environmental safety because of the broad use of conazole fungicides in agriculture and medicine and their frequent occurrence in aquifers. The agricultural pesticide propiconazole has received much regulatory interest because it is a known rodent carcinogen with evidence of multiple adverse effects in mammals and non-targeted organisms. However, the carcinogenic effect and associated mechanism of propiconazole in fish under microgram-per-liter levels of environmental-relevant exposure remains unclear. To explore whether early life of propiconzaole exposure would induce oxidative stress and latent carcinogenic effects in fish, we continuously exposed larvae of wild type or p53(-/-) mutant of medaka fish (Oryzias latipes) to propiconazole (2.5-250μg/L) for 3, 7, 14 or 28 days and assessed liver histopathology and/or the oxidative stress response and gene expression during exposure and throughout adulthood. Propiconazole dose-dependently induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, altered homeostasis of antioxidant superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione S-transferase and caused lipid and protein peroxidation during early life exposure in wild type medaka. Such exposure also significantly upregulated gene expression of the cytochrome P450 CYP1A, but marginally suppressed that of tumor suppressor p53 in adults. Furthermore, histopathology revealed that p53(-/-) mutant medaka with early life exposure to propiconazole showed increased incidence of hepatocarcionogensis, as compared to the p53(-/-) control group and wild type strain. We demonstrated that propiconazole can initiate ROS-mediated oxidative stress and induce hepatic tumorigenesis associated with CYP1A- and/or p53 -mediated pathways with the use of wild type and p53(-/-) mutant of medaka fish. The toxic response of medaka to propiconazole is compatible with that observed in rodents.

Phenotypic characterization of transgenic Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) that express a red fluorescent protein in hepatocytes

Transgenic organisms that express fluorescent proteins are used frequently for in vivo visualization of proteins and cells. The phenotype of a transgenic medaka (Oryzias latipes) strain that expresses a red fluorescent protein (RFP) in hepatocytes was characterized using light and fluorescence microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Expression of RFP was first detected by confocal fluorescence microscopy in the location of the liver bud of live medaka embryos at 60 hr postfertilization (developmental stage 27). Subsequently, RFP signal was observed exclusively in hepatocytes throughout life using fluorescence microscopy in live fish and immunohistochemistry in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded liver sections. As the fish aged, prominent intracytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusions immunoreactive for RFP were observed by light microscopy and were correlated with membrane-bound electron dense inclusions on TEM. These results define the onset and location of RFP expression in the Tg(zf.L-fabp:DsRed) medaka and characterize a histologic phenotype that results from RFP expression in hepatocytes.

In situ labeling of transcription sites in marine medaka

Transcription factories have been characterized in cultured mammalian cells, but little is known about the regulation of these nuclear structures in different primary cell types. Using marine medaka, we observed transcription sites labeled by the metabolic incorporation of 5-fluorouridine (5-FU) into nascent RNA. Medaka was permeable to 5-FU in ambient water and became fully labeled within 4 hr of incubation. The incorporation of 5-FU was inhibited by the transcription inhibitor actinomycin D. The 5-FU incorporation sites were detected in the cell nucleus, and could be abolished by RNase digestion. The tissue distribution of 5-FU incorporation was visualized by immunocytochemistry on whole-mount specimens and histological sections. The 5-FU labeling appeared highly cell type specific, suggesting a regulation of the overall transcription activities at tissue level. Mapping of transcription factories by 5-FU incorporation in fish provides a useful and physiologically relevant model for studying the control of gene expression in the context of the functional organization of the cell nucleus. This manuscript contains online supplemental material at http://www.jhc.org. Please visit this article online to view these materials.

A high-throughput histoarray for quantitative molecular profiling of multiple, uniformly oriented medaka (Oryzias latipes) embryos

Embryos of aquatic animal model fish have proven to be useful organisms for developmental biology and for early life stage toxicity tests. By virtue of their transparent chorions, imaging of normal and abnormal development can be detected and related to exposure or to alterations due to environmental factors. However, the detection of changes at sub-individual levels of organization is hampered by time required to detect important events within cells and tissues of affected organisms. We describe herein development of a highly cost effective embryo chip enabling stringent inter-individual comparisons and multiplex detection in embryos and eleutheroembryos. As a proof of principle we examine cell proliferation and controlled cell death in normoxic and hypoxic conditions and relate these to tissue turnover in individual organisms. Coupled with a recently developed whole adult animal platform, we can now move beyond the common approach focusing on single target organ to the detection and characterization of systemic phenomena (syndromes) affecting the organism. Taken together, we can now determine adult consequences of early life stage exposure and assess ability of exposed individuals to respond to stresses superimposed along the axis of time.

Visualizing digestive organ morphology and function using differential fatty acid metabolism in live zebrafish

Lipids are essential for cellular function as sources of fuel, critical signaling molecules and membrane components. Deficiencies in lipid processing and transport underlie many metabolic diseases. To better understand metabolic function as it relates to disease etiology, a whole animal approach is advantageous, one in which multiple organs and cell types can be assessed simultaneously in vivo. Towards this end, we have developed an assay to visualize fatty acid (FA) metabolism in larval zebrafish (Danio rerio). The method utilizes egg yolk liposomes to deliver different chain length FA analogs (BODIPY-FL) to six day-old larvae. Following liposome incubation, larvae accumulate the analogs throughout their digestive organs, providing a comprehensive readout of organ structure and physiology. Using this assay we have observed that different chain length FAs are differentially transported and metabolized by the larval digestive system. We show that this assay can also reveal structural and metabolic defects in digestive mutants. Because this labeling technique can be used to investigate digestive organ morphology and function, we foresee its application in diverse studies of organ development and physiology.

Accumulation and debromination of decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) in juvenile fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) induces thyroid disruption and liver alterations

Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants are known to affect thyroid hormone (TH) regulation. The TH-regulating deiodinases have been implicated in these impacts; however, PBDE effects on the fish thyroid system are largely unknown. Moreover, the liver as a potential target of PBDE toxicity has not been explored in young fish. This study measured decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) effects on TH regulation by measuring deiodinase activity in juvenile fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas). Dietary accumulations and debromination of BDE-209 were also measured, and the morphology of thyroid and liver tissues was examined. Juvenile fathead minnows (28 days old) received a 28-day dietary treatment of BDE-209 at 9.8 ± 0.16 μg/g of food at 5% of their body weight per day followed by a 14-day depuration period in which they were fed clean food. Chemical analysis revealed that BDE-209 accumulated in tissues and was metabolized to reductive products ranging from penta- to octaBDEs with 2,2',4,4',5,6'-hexabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-154) being the most accumulative metabolite. By day 28 of the exposure, rates of outer and inner ring deiodination (ORD and IRD, respectively) of thyroxine (T4) were each reduced by ∼74% among treatments. Effects on T4-ORD and T4-IRD remained significant even after the 14-day depuration period. Histological examination of treated fish showed significantly increased thyroid follicular epithelial cell heights and vacuolated hepatocyte nuclei. Enlarged biliary passageways may be the cause of the distinctive liver phenotype observed, although further testing is needed. Altogether, these results suggest that juvenile fish may be uniquely susceptible to thyroid disruptors like PBDEs.

A simple osmium post-fixation paraffin-embedment technique to identify lipid accumulation in fish liver using medaka (Oryziaslatipes) eggs and eleutheroembryos as lipid rich models

Hepatic lipidosis is a non-specific biomarker of effect from pollution exposure in fish. Fatty liver is often misdiagnosed or overlooked in histological assessments due to the decreasing application of specific fat procedures and stains. For example, ethanol dehydration in standard paraffin processing removes lipids, leaving vacuoles of which the precise nature is unknown. Lipids can be identified using osmium post-fixation in semi-thin resin sections or transmission electron microscopy. However, both are expensive and technically demanding procedures, often not available for routine environmental risk assessment and monitoring programs. The current emphasis to reduce and refine animal toxicity testing, requires refinement of the suite of histopathological techniques currently available to maximize information gained from using fish for toxicity testing and as bio-indicators of environmental quality. This investigation has successfully modified an osmium post-fixation technique to conserve lipids in paraffin-embedded tissues using medaka (Oryzias latipes) eleutheroembryos and eggs (embryos) as lipid rich models.

Exposure to the synthetic FXR agonist GW4064 causes alterations in gene expression and sublethal hepatotoxicity in eleutheroembryo medaka (Oryzias latipes)

The small freshwater teleost, medaka (Oryzias latipes), has a history of usage in studies of chronic toxicity of liver and biliary system. Recent progress with this model has focused on defining the medaka hepatobiliary system. Here we investigate critical liver function and toxicity by examining the in vivo role and function of the farnesoid X receptor alpha (FXRalpha, NR1H4), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily that plays an essential role in the regulation of bile acid homeostasis. Quantitative mRNA analysis of medaka FXRalpha demonstrates differential expression of two FXRalpha isoforms designated Fxralpha1 and Fxralpha2, in both free swimming medaka embryos with remaining yolk (eleutheroembryos, EEs) and adults. Activation of medaka Fxralpha in vivo with GW4064 (a strong FXRalpha agonist) resulted in modification of gene expression for defined FXRalpha gene targets including the bile salt export protein, small heterodimer partner, and cytochrome P450 7A1. Histological examination of medaka liver subsequent to GW4064 exposure demonstrated significant lipid accumulation, cellular and organelle alterations in both hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells of the liver. This report of hepatobiliary injury following GW4064 exposure extends previous investigations of the intrahepatic biliary system in medaka, reveals sensitivity to toxicant exposure, and illustrates the need for added resolution in detection and interpretation of toxic responses in this vertebrate.

Japanese medaka: a new vertebrate model for studying telomere and telomerase biology

A good understanding of telomeres and telomerase biology is crucial for unraveling mechanisms related to aging and cancer. However, in vivo vertebrate studies of telomere biogenesis and telomerase function have been limited by the development of appropriate animal model systems. The present study aims to demonstrate evolutionary conservation of telomerase in vertebrate species, supporting the potential application of fish as vertebrate model for studying telomeres and telomerase function. Comparison of genomic and protein information among vertebrate TERTs (TElomerase Reverse Transcriptase), the Japanese medaka Oryzias latipes shares the highest similarity to that of the human than the other small size fish species studied (including pufferfish and zebrafish). The ubiquitous expression of TERT mRNA, the high constitutive level of telomerase activity, and the humanized telomere lengths further substantiate that Japanese medaka is an ideal vertebrate model for the study of telomere and telomerase-related mechanisms in vivo. Moreover, medaka exhibits fast, invariable growth and is able to provide a variety of useful developmental and reproductive endpoints for lifelong and multi-generational experiments. Our earlier and present findings support the use of medaka for studying organismal aging, tissue regeneration and carcinogenesis.

Non invasive in vivo investigation of hepatobiliary structure and function in STII medaka (Oryzias latipes): methodology and applications

Background

A novel transparent stock of medaka (Oryzias latipes; STII), recessive for all pigments found in chromatophores, permits transcutaneous imaging of internal organs and tissues in living individuals. Findings presented describe the development of methodologies for non invasive in vivo investigation in STII medaka, and the successful application of these methodologies to in vivo study of hepatobiliary structure, function, and xenobiotic response, in both 2 and 3 dimensions.

Results

Using brightfield, and widefield and confocal fluorescence microscopy, coupled with the in vivo application of fluorescent probes, structural and functional features of the hepatobiliary system, and xenobiotic induced toxicity, were imaged at the cellular level, with high resolution (< 1 μm), in living individuals. The findings presented demonstrate; (1) phenotypic response to xenobiotic exposure can be investigated/imaged in vivo with high resolution (< 1 μm), (2) hepatobiliary transport of solutes from blood to bile can be qualitatively and quantitatively studied/imaged in vivo, (3) hepatobiliary architecture in this lower vertebrate liver can be studied in 3 dimensions, and (4) non invasive in vivo imaging/description of hepatobiliary development in this model can be investigated.

Conclusion

The non-invasive in vivo methodologies described are a unique means by which to investigate biological structure, function and xenobiotic response with high resolution in STII medaka. In vivo methodologies also provide the future opportunity to integrate molecular mechanisms (e.g., genomic, proteomic) of disease and toxicity with phenotypic changes at the cellular and system levels of biological organization. While our focus has been the hepatobiliary system, other organ systems are equally amenable to in vivo study, and we consider the potential for discovery, within the context of in vivo investigation in STII medaka, as significant.

Differential developmental toxicity of naphthoic acid isomers in medaka (Oryzias latipes) embryos

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widespread persistent pollutants that readily undergo biotic and abiotic conversion to numerous transformation products in rivers, lakes and estuarine sediments. Here we characterize the developmental toxicity of four PAH transformation products each structural isomers of hydroxynaphthoic acid: 1H2NA, 2H1NA, 2H3NA, and 6H2NA. Medaka fish (Oryzias latipes) embryos and eleutheroembryos were used to determine toxicity. A 96-well micro-plate format was used to establish a robust, statistically significant platform for assessment of early life stages. Individual naphthoic acid isomers demonstrated a rank order of toxicity with 1H2NA>2H1NA>2H3NA>6H2NA being more toxic. Abnormalities of circulatory system were most pronounced including pericardial edema and tube heart. To determine if HNA isomers were AhR ligands, spatial-temporal expression and activity of CYP1A was measured via in vivo EROD assessments. qPCR measurement of CYP1A induction proved different between isomers dosed at respective concentrations affecting 50% of exposed individuals (EC50s). In vitro, all ANH isomers transactivated mouse AhR using a medaka CYP1A promoter specific reporter assay. Circulatory abnormalities followed P450 induction and response was consistent with PAH toxicity. A 96-well micro-plates proved suitable as exposure chambers and provided statistically sound evaluations as well as efficient toxicity screens. Our results demonstrate the use of medaka embryos for toxicity analysis thereby achieving REACH objectives for the reduction of adult animal testing in toxicity evaluations.