The general aim of the doctoral thesis is the investigation of the bioavailability, kinetics and dynamics of Microcystin (MC), a natural occurring toxin produced by cyanobacteria. Since MC has an impact on the aquatic ecosystem, native fish species have been chosen as research organisms. Main focus of the work are the cell transporters Oatps (Organic anion transporting polypeptide), which are also responsible for transporting MC into the cells of the target organs. Therefore the Oatp subtypes in 3 native fish species (whitefish, carp and perch) will be characterised in more detail, e.g. organ distribution of Oatp subtypes, transport kinetics of the single Oatps by various MC-congeners, regulation of Oatp expression upon MC exposure. Furthermore, we will characterise the toxicokinetics and -dynamics of MC in the whole organism and its trophic system, e.g. by btracing the MC distribution in the living animal and determination of the trophic transfer of MC.
