Metabolism of pyrene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon in freshwater turtles.

Reptile population decrease is an alarming trend all around the world. Yet little is known about the role of xenobiotics in this decrease. In this study, we investigated the metabolism of pyrene in three freshwater turtle species (Red-EARED sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans), Chinese pond turtles (Mauremys reevesii) and Chinese softshell turtles (Pelodiscus sinensis). Compared to other vertebrates, all turtles showed an unique metabolite distribution, pyrene-1-sulfate being the main metabolite. The observed low phase II enzyme metabolic rates raises the question of the effect of long-time exposure.