Development of a Fish Stress Protein Antibody/Antigen-Based Approach for Biomonitoring of Water Quality.
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to extend the qualitative and quantitative approach to the application of an antibody/antigen-based method which assess actual levels of stress proteins in fish and other aquatic organisms exposed to both acute and chronic stressor conditions. This report describes the results of our research on the development of a valid stress protein test. evaluation of the stress protein response as a potential biomonitoring tool consisted of laboratory and in situ (field) testing. The laboratory portion included the purification of fish stress proteins. This was followed by the development of polyclonal antibodies specific to each of the stress proteins. Next, we evaluated binding of the antibodies to specific stress proteins (antigens) by exposing various species of fish to heat stress, stress protein levels were assayed using western blots and densitometric quantitation. The methodology was field tested by exposing another aquatic organism (Asian clams) in an aquatic system impacted by point source pollution. The field study was essential to validate the efficacy of the stress protein antibody assay as a water quality biomonitoring method. All aspects of the proposed research were accomplished and our results are detailed in the following studies, as well as, the attached reprint of the first published from the grant. More manuscripts are in progress.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 10, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA290254
Entities
People
- Earl G. Zimmerman
- Kenneth L. Dickson
- Marus J. Donahue
Organizations
- University of North Texas