Acquisition of a Bio-Plex 3D System to Help Assess Effects of Sublethal Oil Exposure on Critical Biological Functions of Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles

Mote Marine Laboratory获得的这项重大研究仪器奖资助了一个实验室分析系统的收购，该系统能够使用非常小的样品体积同时分析多达500种分析物。该仪器用于评估长期或急性接触石油对海洋哺乳动物和海龟关键生物功能的亚致命但可能重大的影响：尽管这些是最易受深水地平线石油泄漏影响的物种，但对石油接触对这些种群的亚致命影响知之甚少。因此，鉴于最近发生的墨西哥湾漏油事件，通过国家安全基金快速机制进行的这项投资是及时和关键的。 该仪器/系统将是一个综合研究实验室的组成部分，该实验室将确定正在接受康复的接触石油的个体动物体内的多环芳烃含量;通过使用传统的肾脏和肝脏功能临床测量方法，确认石油对一般健康的影响，并使用生物标志物来评估深水地平线泄漏期间暴露于石油是否会导致遗传毒性效应或对生殖潜力或免疫系统的重大影响。系统功能 研究结果将增进人们对接触石油对海洋哺乳动物和海龟的免疫和生殖后果的了解。研究结果将在同行评审的期刊出版物上传播，并通过参加区域和国家科学会议传播。

This Major Research Instrumentation award to the Mote Marine Laboratory funds the acquisition of a lab analysis system capable of simultaneous assay of up to 500 analytes, using very small sample volumes. The instrument is used to assess sublethal, but possibly significant, effects of prolonged or acute exposure to oil on critical biological functions in marine mammals and sea turtles: Although these are among the most vulnerable species to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the sublethal effects of oil exposure on these populations are poorly understood. As a result, this investment, through the NSF-RAPID mechanism, is timely and critical in light of the recent Gulf of Mexico oil spill. The instrument/system will be an integral part of a comprehensive research laboratory that will establish body burdens of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in oil-exposed individual animals undergoing rehabilitation; confirm oil-related impacts on general health by using traditional clinical measures of kidney and liver function, and use biomarkers to assess whether exposure to oil during the Deepwater Horizon spill causes genotoxic effects or significant impacts on reproductive potential or immune system function. The results will enhance understanding of the immunological and reproductive consequences of oil exposure on marine mammals and sea turtles. Results from the studies will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journal publications and though participation at regional and national scientific meetings.