Glycolytic adjustments in tissues of frog Rana ridibunda and land snail Helix lucorum during seasonal hibernation

Activities of antioxidant enzymes and Hsp levels in response to elevated temperature in land snail species with varied latitudinal distribution

Land snails occupy a variety of habitats, with differing temperature and humidity regimes and exhibit a wide span of adaptations, to withstand abiotic condition changes. The present work's aim was to examine the correlation of habitat's thermal adversity in different Mediterranean type habitats with the land snail's antioxidant and heat shock responses. For this purpose, snails of different species from populations along a north-south axis from the islands and mainland of Greece were exposed to elevated temperature and antioxidant enzyme activities, and Hsp70 and Hsp90 levels were determined in their tissues. The ATP, ADP, and AMP levels and the adenylate energy charge (AEC) were also determined. The comparison of protein levels and enzymatic activities across time intervals revealed significant differences for all factors examined. While the gradation pattern over time for a given factor was similar in all populations the absolute values over time differed. Catalase activity and the Hsp90 protein levels had the higher contribution in separating the different species and populations, followed by the activity of glutathione reductase and Hsp70 protein levels which contributed to a lesser degree. In general, populations from the southern part of their distribution in Greece tend to display a faster increase than northern populations in induction levels of all factors examined. Our data seem to be in line with the concept of preparation for oxidative stress (POS) while the changes in the AEC indicate an early preparation to cover the energy demand for the induction and synthesis of antioxidant enzymes and Hsps.

Cardiac mitochondrial energetics of the Australasian red spiny lobster, Jasus edwardsii, when exposed to isoeugenol within the commercial anaesthetic AQUI-S

The anaesthetic isoeugenol has been used as metabolic suppressant for commercial transport of live lobsters in order to decrease energy expenditure aand improve survival. Given the central role of mitochondria in metabolism and structural similarities of isoeugenol to the mitochondrial electron carrier coenzyme Q, we explored the influence on mitochondrial function of isoeugenol. Mitochondrial function was measured using high resolution respirometry and saponin permeabilized heart fibres from the Australasian red spiny lobster, Jasus edwardsii. Relative to vehicle (polysorbate), isoeugenol inhibited respiration supported by complex I (CI) and cytochrome c oxidase (CCO). While complex II (CII), which also reduces coenzyme Q was largely unaffected by isoeugenol, respiration supported by CII when uncoupled was depressed. Titration of isoeugenol indicates that respiration through CI has a half inhibition constant (IC50) of 2.4±0.1 µM, and full inhibition constant IC100 of approximately 6.3 µM. These concentrations are consistent with those used for transport and euthanasia of J. edwardsii and indicates that CI is a possible target of isoeugenol like many other anaesthetics with quinone-like structures.

Seasonal cellular stress phenomena and phenotypic plasticity in land snail Helix lucorum populations from different altitudes

Temperature, a major abiotic environmental factor, regulates various physiological functions in land snails and therefore determines their biogeographical distribution. Thus, species with different distributions may present different thermal tolerance limits. Additionally, the intense reactivation of snail metabolic rate upon arousal from hibernation or estivation may provoke stress. Land snails, Helix lucorum, display a wide altitudinal distribution resulting in populations being exposed to different seasonal temperature variations. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of heat shock proteins (Hsps), mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and proteins that are related to apoptosis (Bcl-2, ubiquitin), that have 'cytoprotective' roles and are also considered to be reliable indicators of stress because of their crucial role in maintaining cellular homeostasis. These proteins were assessed in H. lucorum individuals from two different populations, one at Axios (sea level, 0 m) and the other at Kokkinopilos (Olympus, 1250 m), as well as after mutual population exchanges, in order to find out whether the different responses of these stress-related proteins depend solely on the environmental temperature. The results showed seasonally altered levels in all studied proteins in the hepatopancreas and foot of snails, both among different populations and between the same populations exposed to varying altitudes. However, individuals of the same population in their native habitat or acclimatized to a different habitat showed a relatively similar pattern of expression, supporting the induction of the specific proteins according to the life history of each species.

Tail display is regulated by anaerobic metabolism in an Asian agamid lizard

Understanding the mechanism underlying signal variation is an important goal in the study of animal communication. Several potential causes have been proposed for signal variation, including environmental noise (e.g. wind, sound), energy limitation, and predation risk, among others, but the physiological control of many signals are often unclear. Here, we examined the correlation between tail display signal variation and energy metabolic activity using an Asian agamid lizard Phrynocephalus vlangalii. Individual tail display signals were observed in the field, and blood lactate concentration as well as 2 energy metabolic enzymes was assayed. Our results showed that average tail coil speed was positively associated with blood lactate concentration, while tail coil duration was negatively associated with LDH activity. We also found that average tail lash speed was positively associated with blood lactate concentration, suggesting that the tail display behavior of P. vlangalii was regulated by anaerobic metabolism. Furthermore, the correlation between tail display behavior and energy metabolism was not sex-dependent. Taken together, our research provides insight into the physiological mechanisms underlying tail display variation in lizards, and suggests that tail display variation likely transmits important information on individual body condition and resource holding potential.

Correlation between intermediary metabolism, Hsp gene expression, and oxidative stress-related proteins in long-term thermal-stressed Mytilus galloprovincialis

Long-term exposure of Mytilus galloprovincialis to temperatures beyond 26°C triggers mussel mortality. The present study aimed to integratively illustrate the correlation between intermediary metabolism, hsp gene expression, and oxidative stress-related proteins in long-term thermally stressed Mytilus galloprovincialis and whether they are affected by thermal stress magnitude and duration. We accordingly evaluated the gene expression profiles, in the posterior adductor muscle (PAM) and the mantle, concerning heat shock protein 70 and 90 ( hsp70 and hsp90), and the antioxidant defense indicators Mn-SOD, Cu/Zn-SOD, catalase, glutathione S-transferase, and the metallothioneins mt-10 and mt-20. Moreover, we determined antioxidant enzyme activities, oxidative stress through lipid peroxidation, and activities of intermediary metabolism enzymes. The pattern of changes in relative mRNA expression levels indicate that mussels are able to sense thermal stress even when exposed to 22°C and before mussel mortality is initiated. Data indicate a close correlation between the magnitude and duration of thermal stress with lipid peroxidation levels and changes in the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the enzymes of intermediary metabolism. The gene expression and increase in the activities of antioxidant enzymes support a scenario, according to which exposure to 24°C might trigger reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which is closely correlated with anaerobic metabolism under hypometabolic conditions. Increase and maintenance of oxidative stress in conjunction with energy balance disturbance seem to trigger mussel mortality after long-term exposure at temperatures beyond 26°C. Eventually, in the context of preparation for oxidative stress, certain hypotheses and models are suggested, integrating the several steps of cellular stress response.

Laboratory studies on the thermal tolerance and response of enzymes of intermediate metabolism in different land snail species

Land snails species occur in a range of habitats from humid to semi-arid and arid ones and seasonal variations in their physiology and biochemical composition have been linked to annual cycles of photoperiod, temperature, humidity and water availability. In an effort to understand the thermal tolerance and the impact of temperature elevation on tissue metabolism of land snails we determined the mortality, heamolymph PO₂ and the activities of enzymes of intermediary metabolism in three land snail species (Helix lucorum, Helix pomatia and Cornu aspersum) differing in their geographical distribution and inhabiting areas with different climatic characteristics. No mortality was observed in both population of Cornu aspersum, while Helix pomatia exhibited higher mortality than Helix lucorum. PO₂ dropped within the first 10days of exposure to elevated temperature in all species, although in Cornu aspersum this decrease was significantly lower. No significant reduction in the enzymatic activities of all glycolytic enzymes studied, as well as of citrate synthase (CS) and 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (HOAD) was observed in the more thermal tolerant species C. aspersum from both populations studied. Significant reductions of enzymatic activity of the glycolytic enzymes phosphofructokinase (PFK), pyruvate kinase (PK) and d-Lactate dehydrogenase (d-LDH) was observed in Helix lucorum and Helix pomatia. The observed inter-specific differences seem to be in accordance with the life cycle characteristics of each species and may be attributed to climatic differences among habitats within their distribution range.

Field studies on the annual activity and the metabolic responses of a land snail population living in high altitude

In the context of the metabolic cold adaptation hypothesis (MCA), we investigated a) the life and activity cycle characteristics and b) the metabolic responses of the endemic land snail species Cattania trizona olympica living at 1100m altitude in Olympus mountain (Greece). Field observations on the annual activity cycle of C. trizona olympica revealed that snails' activity was restricted mainly between the end of May and September, when the higher temperatures were recorded, while first matings were recorded in July and the last ones in mid September indicating a restricted favorable time period for reproduction. The activities of enzymes of intermediate metabolism showed a periodic seasonal pattern of change which seems to be closely related to the pattern of annual changes of air temperature and most of them exhibited higher activities during the coldest and warmest periods of the year. Moreover the data indicate a distinct differentiation of fuel oxidation during arousal and reproductive periods with lipid oxidation, apart from carbohydrates, contributing significantly to ATP turnover during reproductive activity. The higher enzymatic activities, determined in the tissues of C. trizona olympica than the corresponding ones determined in the tissues of the land snail species living at low altitudes, might indicate higher sensitivity of the intermediate metabolism and ATP turnover in C. trizona olympica to changes in environmental factors. Although the latter seems to be in line with the MCA hypothesis, it needs further investigation on metabolic rates to support it.

Composition of body storage compounds influences egg quality and reproductive investment in the land snail Cornu aspersum

In invertebrates, resources available for growth and reproduction might influence the composition of body stores and subsequently nutrient allocation to eggs, thereby adjusting energy investment in reproduction. We investigated in the land snail Cornu aspersum (Müller, 1774) the efficiency of growth and the main storage compounds in the body and in eggs with respect to lipid content in food (5.5% versus 2.5%). The high body dry mass density of snails fed on lipid-rich diet underlined the high storage capacity of neutral lipids acquired during growth (high growth efficiency) without changing energy content because of the prevailing carbohydrate storage compounds. Reproductive investment was lower in these snails, and maternal effects decreased clutch size. Triglyceride allocation to eggs might enhance survival probability of offspring and therefore compensate for smaller clutch size. Snails fed on lipid-poor diet maximized their investment in clutch size whatever the amount of body stores, and allocated a higher amount of cholesterol to eggs. Cholesterol could be essential for embryo growth, as it ensures membrane functioning. In conclusion, the availability of resources can differentially affect nutrient allocation and energy investment in reproduction. Thus, the investigation of physiological processes becomes essential to understand population dynamics in fluctuating or changing habitats.

Adjustment of metabolite composition in the haemolymph to seasonal variations in the land snail Helix pomatia

In temperate regions, land snails are subjected to subzero temperatures in winter and hot temperatures often associated to drought in summer. The response to these environmental factors is usually a state of inactivity, hibernation and aestivation, respectively, in a temperature and humidity buffered refuge, accompanied by physiological adjustments to resist cold or heat stress. We investigated how environmental factors in the microhabitat and body condition influence the metabolite composition of haemolymph of the endangered species Helix pomatia. We used UPLC and GC-MS techniques and analyzed annual biochemical variations in a multivariate model. Hibernation and activity months differed in metabolite composition. Snails used photoperiod as cue for seasonal climatic variations to initiate a physiological state and were also highly sensitive to temperature variations, therefore constantly adjusting their physiological processes. Galactose levels gave evidence for the persistence of metabolic activity with energy expenditure during hibernation and for high reproductive activity in June. Triglycerides accumulated prior to hibernation might act as cryoprotectants or energy reserves. During the last month of hibernation snails activated physiological processes related to arousal. During activity, protein metabolism was reflected by high amino acid level. An exceptional aestivation period was observed in April giving evidence for heat stress responses, like the protection of cells from dehydration by polyols and saccharides, the membrane stabilization by cholesterol and enhanced metabolism using the anaerobic succinic acid pathway to sustain costly stress responses. In conclusion, physiological adjustments to environmental variations in Helix pomatia involve water loss regulation, cryoprotectant or heatprotectant accumulation.