Responses of mixed-function oxygenase and antioxidase enzyme system of Mytilus sp. to organic pollution.

1. Mixed-function oxidase (MFO) system components (cytochrome P-450, "418-peak", cytochrome b5 and NADPH-cytochrome c(P-450) reductase) and inducible antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and DT-diaphorase) has been determined in digestive glands of mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) collected from three Mediterranean coastal locations, exhibiting an organic pollution gradient. 2. Cytochrome P-450, the "418-peak", catalase and SOD showed a good correlation with whole body tissue PAHs and, to a lower extent, with PCBs. 3. Microsomal NADPH-dependent DT-diaphorase, but not the NADH-dependent microsomal enzyme or the cytosolic DT-diaphorases, was indicated to increase with pollution exposure. 4. The application of such measurements to environmental monitoring is discussed. Given the magnitude of differences observed, and the state of knowledge on enzyme function and mechanisms of toxicity, a multiparameter approach is considered to offer current and future potential for detecting the impact of organic pollution on bivalve molluscs.