Ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activity in the liver of dab ( Limanda limanda L.) and flounder ( Platichthys flesus L.) from the German Bight. EROD expression and tissue contamination.

Ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activity was measured in the liver of dab ( Limanda limanda) and flounder ( Platichthys flesus) from the German Bight (southern North Sea) and compared with muscle and liver polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations in an attempt to relate EROD activity to PCB body burden. In none of the different datasets (species-, tissue- or matrix-dependent) was a significant ( P<0.05) correlation between PCB tissue contamination and EROD activity found. Yet EROD activity was significantly correlated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) levels (phenanthrene, fluoranthene, pyrene) in muscle tissue, indicating a possible dependence of EROD expression on other ubiquitous organic contaminants, thus making it a suitable biomarker for general pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]