Micronucleus test in reptiles: Current and future perspectives

Abstract

Micronucleus (MN) cell counting emerged in 1973–1975 as a valid alternative for characterizing chromosomal damage caused by different agents. It was first described in mammals, but its application was rapidly extended to other vertebrates, mainly fish. However, it was not until 28 years later that this test was implemented in studies on reptiles. Nowadays, reptiles are found to be excellent non-target species from environmental contamination exposure and MN test has become a fundamental tool for analyzing genotoxic effects induced by various xenobiotics. In this article we provide an updated review of the application of the MN test in reptile species, from an ecotoxicological perspective. Therefore, we present (I) a bibliometric analysis of the available research on genotoxic-induced MN formation in reptile species; (II) the use of reptiles as sentinel organisms in ecotoxicological studies; and (III) the strength and weakness of the application of the MN test in this group. With this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive view on the use of the MN test in ecotoxicology and to encourage further studies involving reptile species.