The micronucleus test in Ameiva ameiva (Squamata: Teiidae) in riparian forests in the Central Cerrado, Brazil

Abstract

Free-living species can be used as indicators to estimate the impact of environmental stressors. In this study, the heliophilous lizard Ameiva ameiva was used for the first time for the micronucleus test and other nuclear abnormalities. This biomarker is rapid and reliable in evaluating populations environmentally exposed to genotoxic agents. Thus, two animal populations were collected in the Cerrado Central riparian forests with pasture influence. The results indicated the presence of micronuclei and different nuclear erythrocyte abnormalities: cells with nuclear bud, segmented nucleus, notched nucleus, lobed nucleus, and reniform nucleus. There was no statistical difference in the frequency of DNA damage between the populations in the pasture areas. The inclusion of these species in biomonitoring programs seems relevant to shed light on the susceptibility to expression of genotoxic damage. This species has a wide geographic distribution in the Neotropical region, which makes it promising for research on environmental mutagenesis.