Intertidal sea anemones were collected from rock jetties at the mouth of Belle Pass, south of Port Fourchon, Lafourche Parish, Louisiana and for comparative purposes others were obtained from the Florida gulf coast, northern California coast and commercially from venders. The microsomal mixed function oxygenase system was characterized with respect to cytochromes P450 content, catalytic activity, immunoreactivity with antibodies generated against several P450 families and induction by model pollutants and crude oil. We provide the first evidence for a functional cytochromes P450-dependent microsomal mixed function oxygenase system in several species of sea anemones. The presence of a microsomal MFO system in the sea anemones indicates a capability to oxidize and depurate organic xenobiotic chemicals that bioaccumulate in these marine organisms. The first baseline data sets from a new method with significant potential application in biomonitoring of aquatic pollution and its relationship to oxidative stress have been established.
Sea anemones show significant potential as sentinel organisms with respect to biological endpoints.
Although biochemical responses can be rapidly obtained and are highly sensitive, they are of limited ecological relevance. Thus, a suite of biomarkers would promote the most comprehensive evaluation of environmental impact. The results are consistent with a functional P450-dependent MFO system in sea anemones, with characteristics similar to and unique from other marine invertebrates. Organic chemicals and metals are sources of oxidative stress to marine organisms. Antioxidant scavenging capacity of sea anemones is higher than in other marine invertebrates and is indicated to be a valid index of environmental exposures.