Communication of ionising radiation signals – a tale of two fish

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this review is to document the development of fish radiobiology techniques which have led to the discovery of an in vivo communication of radiation-induced signals from irradiated fish to unirradiated fish.

Method: This review discusses the development of fish radiobiology techniques and knowledge with particular emphasis on mechanisms relevant to modern systems biology and discusses the implications for ecology and evolution of the new research findings.

Conclusion: Communication of information using chemical signals is one of the most widespread and primitive methods of information transfer. Since it is found in plant, animal and microbial kingdoms, it should have been no surprise that fish receiving a dose of ionising radiation, communicate a chemical message to other fish, causing the partner or ‘bystander’ fish to induce what may be protective strategies, should they be exposed. However, it was a surprise in the radiobiology bystander field and has led to an interesting cross fertilisation between the fields of radiobiology and chemical ecology.

Keywords:

• ionising radiation
• bystander effect
• fish radiobiology
• allelopathic effects
• chemical signalling

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to the following funding sources: The National Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Canada Research Council (CRC) Chairs Programme, Bruce Power, CANDU (CANada Deuterium Uranium) Owners Group, the current NOTE (Non-Targeted Effects) European Union (EU) integrated project and various other EU projects over the last 20 years which supported the development of the fish culture techniques.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the papers.