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Brown MK, Haskins DL, Pilgrim MA, Tuberville TD. Mercury bioaccumulation and Hepatozoon spp. infections in two syntopic watersnakes in South Carolina. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 33:164-176. [PMID: 38329640 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-024-02736-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant known to bioaccumulate in biota and biomagnify in food webs. Parasites occur in nearly every ecosystem and often interact in complex ways with other stressors that their hosts experience. Hepatozoon spp. are intraerythrocytic parasites common in snakes. The Florida green watersnake (Nerodia floridana) and the banded watersnake (Nerodia fasciata) occur syntopically in certain aquatic habitats in the Southeastern United States. The purpose of this study was to investigate relationships among total mercury (THg) concentrations, body size, species, habitat type and prevalence and parasitemia of Hepatozoon spp. infections in snakes. In the present study, we sampled N. floridana and N. fasciata from former nuclear cooling reservoirs and isolated wetlands of the Savannah River Site in South Carolina. We used snake tail clips to quantify THg and collected blood samples for hemoparasite counts. Our results indicate a significant, positive relationship between THg and snake body size in N. floridana and N. fasciata in both habitats. Average THg was significantly higher for N. fasciata compared to N. floridana in bays (0.22 ± 0.02 and 0.08 ± 0.006 mg/kg, respectively; p < 0.01), but not in reservoirs (0.17 ± 0.02 and 0.17 ± 0.03 mg/kg, respectively; p = 0.29). Sex did not appear to be related to THg concentration or Hepatozoon spp. infections in either species. We found no association between Hg and Hepatozoon spp. prevalence or parasitemia; however, our results suggest that species and habitat type play a role in susceptibility to Hepatozoon spp. infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kyle Brown
- University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - David Lee Haskins
- University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA.
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
- U.S. Geological Survey, Eastern Ecological Science Center at Patuxent Research Refuge, Laurel, MD, 20708, USA.
| | - Melissa A Pilgrim
- University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA
- University of South Carolina Upstate, Spartanburg, SC, 29303, USA
| | - Tracey D Tuberville
- University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
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Morales-Zamudio L, Fierro-Cabo A, Rahman MS, Dominguez-Crespo MA. Metal contents in house geckos (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from industrial and urban areas of southern Tamaulipas, Mexico and western Andalucía, Spain, may reflect airborne metal pollution. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2023; 86:103-118. [PMID: 36734348 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2023.2170941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
House geckos share living quarters with humans in the tropical and subtropical regions inhabited by these reptiles. Gecko behavior, biological traits, continuous exposure to suspended particulate matter 0 µm in diameter (PM10) and dust, as well as status as exotic species, motivated the choice of these species to examine environmental exposure to ambient air pollutants, in particular metals, and subsequent accumulation in these organisms. One part of the study was conducted in Tamaulipas (Mexico) where Hemydactylus frenatus is abundant in urban and industrial environments, the other part was conducted in Andalucia (Spain) where Tarentola mauritanica is found in similar environments. Adult geckos were collected on buildings in locations affected by various air pollution sources. For both species, higher metal contents were observed in whole-body (including digestive tracts) analysis and were markedly different between collection sites. Contents in tails, digestive tracts, and carcasses without digestive tracts were not correlated. Based on contamination factor values, bioaccumulation in H. frenatus tissues occurred for 12 of the 15 metals analyzed. Data suggest that H. frenatus might serve as a biomonitor for Cu, Ni, Pb, Cr, Li, and V, whereas T. mauritanica might be a biomonitor for Cu, Ni, Pb, and Cr. To our knowledge, metal contents for H. frenatus are reported here for the first time. House gecko data could be integrated into a highly representative monitoring system and health risk assessments related to air quality in residential areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisiana Morales-Zamudio
- Investigación y Posgrado, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, CICATA-Altamira, Altamira, Tamaulipas, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Fierro-Cabo
- School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, Texas, USA
| | - Md Saydur Rahman
- School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, Texas, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, Texas, USA
| | - Miguel Antonio Dominguez-Crespo
- Investigación y Posgrado, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, CICATA-Altamira, Altamira, Tamaulipas, Mexico
- Departamento de Materiales Nanoestructurados, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, San Agustín Tlaxiaca, Hidalgo, Mexico
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Hurtado-Morales MJ, Susa MR, Amézquita A. Heavy Metal Concentration in Neotropical Aquatic Snakes (Helicops pastazae) and Its Potential as a Bioindicator of Water Pollution. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2022; 82:367-378. [PMID: 35099580 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-022-00911-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to test the potential role of the aquatic snake Helicops pastazae as an indicator of water pollution caused by heavy metals. In particular, we tested whether the total heavy metal concentration is related to (1) the position (upstream vs downstream) of the sampling point and its distance from the point where wastewater is discharged; (2) the taxonomic group studied: piscivorous snakes vs characid fish that occupy the same habitats; and (3) the organ or tissue examined: snake liver versus muscle. We used atomic absorption spectrophotometry with electrothermal atomization to quantify cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr) and lead (Pb) and found significant differences between some of the sampling points, with particularly high metal concentrations detected upstream at point 1. However, we found no clear spatial pattern nor any significant differences in the concentration of any of the metals in fish and snake muscle, suggesting that both species accumulate similar amounts of the sampled elements. With regard to interactions, snake liver had the highest concentrations of Cd, while muscle had the highest concentrations of Pb and Cr, which may indicate tissue affinity differences for certain metals. Altogether, our results indicate that H. pastazae accumulates contaminants differentially, depending on the tissue and location, which highlights their potential as bioindicators of water contamination. Further research is necessary to understand their role as bioindicators based on extensive sampling and environmental contaminant data.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Hurtado-Morales
- Department of Biological Sciences, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia.
| | - M Rodríguez Susa
- Environmental Engineering Research Center, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia
| | - Adolfo Amézquita
- Department of Biological Sciences, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia
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Zimmerman LM. The reptilian perspective on vertebrate immunity: 10 years of progress. J Exp Biol 2020; 223:223/21/jeb214171. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.214171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Ten years ago, ‘Understanding the vertebrate immune system: insights from the reptilian perspective’ was published. At the time, our understanding of the reptilian immune system lagged behind that of birds, mammals, fish and amphibians. Since then, great progress has been made in elucidating the mechanisms of reptilian immunity. Here, I review recent discoveries associated with the recognition of pathogens, effector mechanisms and memory responses in reptiles. Moreover, I put forward key questions to drive the next 10 years of research, including how reptiles are able to balance robust innate mechanisms with avoiding self-damage, how B cells and antibodies are used in immune defense and whether innate mechanisms can display the hallmarks of memory. Finally, I briefly discuss the links between our mechanistic understanding of the reptilian immune system and the field of eco-immunology. Overall, the field of reptile immunology is poised to contribute greatly to our understanding of vertebrate immunity in the next 10 years.
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Haskins DL, Brown MK, Meichner K, Tuberville TD, Gogal RM. Peripheral blood hematology, plasma biochemistry, and the optimization of an in vitro immune-based assay in the brown watersnake ( Nerodia taxispilota). J Immunoassay Immunochem 2020; 42:4-18. [PMID: 32808875 DOI: 10.1080/15321819.2020.1808479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Reptiles represent a phylogenetic lineage that provides a unique link between ectothermic anamniotes and endothermic amniotes. Compared to mammalian and avian species, our understanding of the reptilian immune system is greatly lacking. This gap in knowledge is largely due to an absence of established immune-based assays or specific reagents for these species. In the present study, brown watersnakes (Nerodia taxispilota) were live-captured in the wild, sexed, weighed, measured, bled via the caudal vein, and released. At 24 hr post-collection, peripheral blood leukocytes were enriched and evaluated with an established mammalian in-vitro lymphocyte proliferation assay. Snake peripheral blood leukocyte enrichment yielded >90% lymphocytes with viabilities averaging 81.5%. Baseline physiologic data for N. taxispilota, including hematology and total solids, leukocyte differentials, cell recovery, and plasma biochemistry, were also collected. Cells cultured with Concanavalin A exhibited significantly increased proliferation at both 72 and 96 hr. These preliminary results show that enriched peripheral blood from wild-caught N. taxispilota provides a sufficient yield of leukocytes that can be cultured and functionally evaluated using a standard mammalian in-vitro immune-based assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Lee Haskins
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA.,University of Georgia Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, South Carolina, USA.,Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, South Carolina, USA
| | - M Kyle Brown
- University of Georgia Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, South Carolina, USA.,Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, South Carolina, USA
| | - Kristina Meichner
- Department of Pathology, University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Robert M Gogal
- Department of Biosciences and Diagnostic Imaging, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, Georgia, USA
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Rimondi V, Benesperi R, Beutel MW, Chiarantini L, Costagliola P, Lattanzi P, Medas D, Morelli G. Monitoring of Airborne Mercury: Comparison of Different Techniques in the Monte Amiata District, Southern Tuscany, Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17072353. [PMID: 32244315 PMCID: PMC7177839 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17072353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, mercury (Hg) concentrations were investigated in lichens (Flavoparmelia caperata (L.) Hale, Parmelia saxatilis (L.) Ach., and Xanthoria parietina (L.) Th.Fr.) collected in the surrounding of the dismissed Abbadia San Salvatore Hg mine (Monte Amiata district, Italy). Results were integrated with Hg concentrations in tree barks and literature data of gaseous Hg levels determined by passive air samplers (PASs) in the same area. The ultimate goal was to compare results obtained by the three monitoring techniques to evaluate potential mismatches. Lichens displayed 180–3600 ng/g Hg, and Hg concentrations decreased exponentially with distance from the mine. Mercury concentration was lower than in Pinus nigra barks at the same site. There was a moderate correlation between Hg in lichen and Hg in bark, suggesting similar mechanisms of Hg uptake and residence times. However, correlation with published gaseous Hg concentrations (PASs) was moderate at best (Kendall Tau = 0.4–0.5, p > 0.05). The differences occurred because a) PASs collected gaseous Hg, whereas lichens and barks also picked up particulate Hg, and b) lichens and bark had a dynamic exchange with the atmosphere. Lichen, bark, and PAS outline different and complementary aspects of airborne Hg content and efficient monitoring programs in contaminated areas would benefit from the integration of data from different techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Rimondi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università di Firenze, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Firenze, Italy; (L.C.); (P.C.)
- CNR-IGG, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Firenze, Italy; (P.L.); (G.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-055-2757506
| | - Renato Benesperi
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Firenze, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Firenze, Italy;
| | - Marc W. Beutel
- University of California, Merced, 5200 Lake Road, Merced, CA 95343, USA;
| | - Laura Chiarantini
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università di Firenze, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Firenze, Italy; (L.C.); (P.C.)
- Centro di Servizi di Microscopia Elettronica e Microanalisi (M.E.M.A), Università di Firenze, Via G. Capponi 3r, 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Pilario Costagliola
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università di Firenze, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Firenze, Italy; (L.C.); (P.C.)
- CNR-IGG, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Firenze, Italy; (P.L.); (G.M.)
| | | | - Daniela Medas
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche, Università di Cagliari, S.S. 554 bivio per Sestu, 09042 Monserrato (CA), Italy;
| | - Guia Morelli
- CNR-IGG, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Firenze, Italy; (P.L.); (G.M.)
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