Use of fish embryo toxicity tests for the prediction of acute fish toxicity to chemicals

Abstract

The fish embryo test (FET) is a potential animal alternative for the acute fish toxicity (AFT) test. A comprehensive validation program assessed 20 different chemicals to understand intra- and interlaboratory variability for the FET. The FET had sufficient reproducibility across a range of potencies and modes of action. In the present study, the suitability of the FET as an alternative model is reviewed by relating FET and AFT. In total, 985 FET studies and 1531 AFT studies were summarized. The authors performed FET-AFT regressions to understand potential relationships based on physical-chemical properties, species choices, duration of exposure, chemical classes, chemical functional uses, and modes of action. The FET-AFT relationships are very robust (slopes near 1.0, intercepts near 0) across 9 orders of magnitude in potency. A recommendation for the predictive regression relationship is based on 96-h FET and AFT data: log FET median lethal concentration (LC50) = (0.989 × log fish LC50) - 0.195; n = 72 chemicals, r = 0.95, p < 0.001, LC50 in mg/L. A similar, not statistically different regression was developed for the entire data set (n = 144 chemicals, unreliable studies deleted). The FET-AFT regressions were robust for major chemical classes with suitably large data sets. Furthermore, regressions were similar to those for large groups of functional chemical categories such as pesticides, surfactants, and industrial organics. Pharmaceutical regressions (n = 8 studies only) were directionally correct. The FET-AFT relationships were not quantitatively different from acute fish-acute fish toxicity relationships with the following species: fathead minnow, rainbow trout, bluegill sunfish, Japanese medaka, and zebrafish. The FET is scientifically supportable as a rational animal alternative model for ecotoxicological testing of acute toxicity of chemicals to fish.

A high throughput passive dosing format for the Fish Embryo Acute Toxicity test

“…They also support the findings of Belanger et al (2013) who showed that the FET test has good predictability for in vivo effects in fish, also for highly hydrophobic compounds (log K ow > 3). Currently, generalized assumptions about narcosis are limited to mortality.…”

“…In a validation study by EURL ECVAM (European Union Reference Laboratory for alternatives to animal testing -European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods) on behalf of the OECD, intra-and interlaboratory reproducibility of the FET test was assessed and found to be within acceptance criteria (Busquet et al, 2014). Additionally, Lammer et al (2009) and Belanger et al (2013) showed a high predictive capacity of the FET test for acute juvenile/adult fish toxicity. The FET test is the first ever accepted alternative for an animal testing method in ecotoxicology.…”

Conducting a battery of bioassays for gold nanoparticles to derive guideline value for the protection of aquatic ecosystems

“…Hazard concentrations at the 5% level (HC 5 ) and 50% level (HC 50 ) were derived using the EtX program. The LC 50 for fish-embryo toxicity was converted to the LC 50 for acute fish toxicity according to a predictive regression relationship (96-h acute fish toxicity LC 50 ¼ 1.026 Â fish-embryo toxicity LC 50 À0.307), as suggested by Belanger et al (2013). This method was suggested in response to public and political pressures to replace acute fish toxicity tests for juveniles and adults with fish-embryo toxicity tests for the sake of animal welfare (Jeram et al, 2005).…”

Transient exposure to environmental estrogen affects embryonic development of brown trout (Salmo trutta fario)

“…However, exposure to EDCs can occur during all life stages of fish, including early life stages before sexual differentiation. Early life stages in fish are considered to be most sensitive against pollutants (von Westernhagen, 1988;Heath, 1995;Babin et al, 2007), although fish embryos may not generally be more sensitive than adult fish (Belanger et al, 2013). Accordingly, the sensitivity of early fish life stages has to be determined.…”