1
|
Shan Z, Li S, Yu C, Bai S, Zhang J, Tang Y, Wang Y, Irwin DM, Li J, Wang Z. Embryonic and skeletal development of the albino African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis). J Anat 2023; 242:1051-1066. [PMID: 36708289 PMCID: PMC10184547 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The normal stages of embryonic development for wild-type Xenopus laevis were established by Nieuwkoop and Faber in 1956, a milestone in the history of understanding embryonic development. However, this work lacked photographic images and staining for skeleton structures from the corresponding stages. Here, we provide high-quality images of embryonic morphology and skeleton development to facilitate studies on amphibian development. On the basis of the classical work, we selected the albino mutant of X. laevis as the observation material to restudy embryonic development in this species. The lower level of pigmentation makes it easier to interpret histochemical experiments. At 23°C, albino embryos develop at the same rate as wild-type embryos, which can be divided into 66 stages as they develop into adults in about 58 days. We described the complete embryonic development system for X. laevis, supplemented with pictures of limb and skeleton development that are missing from previous studies, and summarized the characteristics and laws of limb and skeleton development. Our study should aid research into the development of X. laevis and the evolution of amphibians.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhixin Shan
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
| | - Chenghua Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shibin Bai
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
| | - Junpeng Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yining Tang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yutong Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
| | - David M Irwin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
SOC-IV-07 Using Xenopus laevis as a model organism for drug induced cardiotoxicity. Toxicol Lett 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2022.07.164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
3
|
Gutiérrez-Noya VM, Gómez-Oliván LM, Ramírez-Montero MDC, Islas-Flores H, Galar-Martínez M, García-Medina S. Survival and malformations rates, oxidative status in early life stages of Cyprinus carpio due to exposure to environmentally realistic concentrations of paracetamol. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 768:144585. [PMID: 33454465 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Paracetamol (PCM) is among the most consumed analgesic and antipyretic drugs worldwide. Due to its high consumption, this drug has been reported ubiquitously on different water bodies, posing a real threat to aquatic organisms. Until now, several studies have pointed out that PCM may induce oxidative stress, histological damage and developmental disorders on different aquatic species. Nonetheless, there is still a huge knowledge gap about the toxic effects that PCM may induce in species of commercial interest such as the common carp Cyprinus carpio. The aim of this study was to evaluate survival and malformation rates induced by PCM (0.5 μg/L - 3.5 μg/L) in early life stages of common carp. Furthermore, oxidative stress biomarkers were evaluated at 72 and 96 h post fecundation. PCM reduced the survival rate of the embryos of up to 90%, as concentration increased. LC50 and EC50m were 1.29 μg/L and 2.84 μg/L, respectively. Biomarkers of cellular oxidation and antioxidant enzymes were modified in a concentration-dependent way with respect to the control group (p < 0.05). The main developmental alterations observed were lordosis, scoliosis, craniofacial malformations, hypopigmentation, growth retardation, pericardial edema and rachyschisis. These data indicate that environmentally realistic concentrations of PCM could be hazardous and affects the development in early stages of C. carpio. Moreover, our findings also indicate that C. carpio embryos may be a useful in vivo model to evaluate embryonic and teratogenic effects of drugs such as PCM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Margarita Gutiérrez-Noya
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Paseo Colón intersección Paseo Tollocan, Colonia Residencial Colón, CP 50120 Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Leobardo Manuel Gómez-Oliván
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Paseo Colón intersección Paseo Tollocan, Colonia Residencial Colón, CP 50120 Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico.
| | - María Del Carmen Ramírez-Montero
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Paseo Colón intersección Paseo Tollocan, Colonia Residencial Colón, CP 50120 Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Hariz Islas-Flores
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Ambiental, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Paseo Colón intersección Paseo Tollocan, Colonia Residencial Colón, CP 50120 Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Marcela Galar-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Acuática, Departamento de Farmacia, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Profesional Adolfo López Mateos, Av. Wilfrido Massieu s/n y cerrada Manuel Stampa, Col. Industrial Vallejo, Ciudad de México CP, 07700, Mexico
| | - Sandra García-Medina
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Acuática, Departamento de Farmacia, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Profesional Adolfo López Mateos, Av. Wilfrido Massieu s/n y cerrada Manuel Stampa, Col. Industrial Vallejo, Ciudad de México CP, 07700, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Abstract
The endoderm is the innermost germ layer that forms the linings of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, and their associated organs, during embryonic development. Xenopus embryology experiments have provided fundamental insights into how the endoderm develops in vertebrates, including the critical role of TGFβ-signaling in endoderm induction,elucidating the gene regulatory networks controlling germ layer development and the key molecular mechanisms regulating endoderm patterning and morphogenesis. With new genetic, genomic, and imaging approaches, Xenopus is now routinely used to model human disease, discover mechanisms underlying endoderm organogenesis, and inform differentiation protocols for pluripotent stem cell differentiation and regenerative medicine applications. In this chapter, we review historical and current discoveries of endoderm development in Xenopus, then provide examples of modeling human disease and congenital defects of endoderm-derived organs using Xenopus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole A Edwards
- Division of Developmental Biology, Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States.
| | - Aaron M Zorn
- Division of Developmental Biology, Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gao J, Shen W. Xenopus in revealing developmental toxicity and modeling human diseases. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 268:115809. [PMID: 33096388 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The Xenopus model offers many advantages for investigation of the molecular, cellular, and behavioral mechanisms underlying embryo development. Moreover, Xenopus oocytes and embryos have been extensively used to study developmental toxicity and human diseases in response to various environmental chemicals. This review first summarizes recent advances in using Xenopus as a vertebrate model to study distinct types of tissue/organ development following exposure to environmental toxicants, chemical reagents, and pharmaceutical drugs. Then, the successful use of Xenopus as a model for diseases, including fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, autism, epilepsy, and cardiovascular disease, is reviewed. The potential application of Xenopus in genetic and chemical screening to protect against embryo deficits induced by chemical toxicants and related diseases is also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juanmei Gao
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, China; College of Life and Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Wanhua Shen
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Saide K, Wheeler GN. In Vivo Assessment of Drug-Induced Hepatotoxicity Using Xenopus Embryos. Cold Spring Harb Protoc 2020; 2020:pdb.prot106096. [PMID: 32404313 DOI: 10.1101/pdb.prot106096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Failure to predict drug-induced toxicity reactions is a major problem contributing to a high attrition rate and tremendous cost in drug development. Drug screening in X. laevis embryos is high-throughput relative to screening in rodents, potentially making them ideal for this use. Xenopus embryos have been used as a toxicity model in the frog embryo teratogenesis assay on Xenopus (FETAX) for the early stages of drug safety evaluation. We previously developed compound-screening methods using Xenopus embryos and believe they could be used for in vitro drug-induced toxicity safety assessment before expensive preclinical trials in mammals. Specifically, Xenopus embryos could help predict drug-induced hepatotoxicity and consequently aid lead candidate prioritization. Here we present methods, which we have modified for use on Xenopus embryos, to help measure the potential for a drug to induce liver toxicity. One such method examines the release of the liver-specific microRNA (miRNA) miR-122 from the liver into the vasculature as a result of hepatocellular damage, which could be due to drug-induced acute liver injury. Paracetamol, a known hepatotoxin at high doses, can be used as a positive control. We previously showed that some of the phenotypes of mammalian paracetamol overdose are reflected in Xenopus embryos. Consequently, we have also included here a method that measures the concentration of free glutathione (GSH), which is an indicator of paracetamol-induced liver injury. These methods can be used as part of a panel of protocols to help predict the hepatoxicity of a drug at an early stage in drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katy Saide
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Grant N Wheeler
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chaves MDJS, Barbosa SC, Malinowski MDM, Volpato D, Castro ÍB, Franco TCRDS, Primel EG. Pharmaceuticals and personal care products in a Brazilian wetland of international importance: Occurrence and environmental risk assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 734:139374. [PMID: 32460076 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite the fact that the occurrence of emerging contaminants in the environment has become frequent in recent decades, the seasonal dynamics of contaminants in different environmental compartments are little studied in protected areas influenced by effluent discharges. In this study, the seasonal and spatial occurrence of 33 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) was investigated in surface waters and sediments from Anil and Bacanga rivers (northeast of Brazil). The studied area is located within a Wetland of International Importance by Ramsar Convention (Amazon Estuary and its Mangroves). Sample preparation was carried out using solid-phase extraction and QuEChERS, for water and sediment samples, respectively and all determinations were performed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Eleven PPCPs were detected in water samples and 14 in sediments. In aqueous samples, caffeine was the most occurring compound reaching 13,798 ng L-1. In addition, high levels of acetaminophen, ibuprofen, sulfamethoxazole, carbamazepine and diclofenac were also observed. In the sediment samples, triclocarban, benzophenone-3, ketoconazole and methylparaben were also detected. The spatial and temporal distribution of the assessed molecules indicates urbanization and anthropic activities as relevant sources of PPCPs in the region. Moreover, the levels of acetaminophen, caffeine, diclofenac, ibuprofen, benzophenone-3, triclosan and triclocarban measured within the Ramsar site pose a high risk to aquatic and terrestrial organisms. These findings indicate potential threats to the allegedly protected biodiversity and, therefore, urgent actions are needed to effectively protect this unique and vulnerable area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marisa de Jesus Silva Chaves
- Post-Graduate Program in Technological and Environmental Chemistry, Escola de Química e Alimentos, Laboratório de Análise de Compostos Orgânicos e Metais (LACOM), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Av Itália, km 8, Rio Grande, RS 96201-900, Brazil
| | - Sergiane Caldas Barbosa
- Post-Graduate Program in Technological and Environmental Chemistry, Escola de Química e Alimentos, Laboratório de Análise de Compostos Orgânicos e Metais (LACOM), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Av Itália, km 8, Rio Grande, RS 96201-900, Brazil
| | - Maiara de Melo Malinowski
- Post-Graduate Program in Technological and Environmental Chemistry, Escola de Química e Alimentos, Laboratório de Análise de Compostos Orgânicos e Metais (LACOM), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Av Itália, km 8, Rio Grande, RS 96201-900, Brazil
| | - Duane Volpato
- Post-Graduate Program in Technological and Environmental Chemistry, Escola de Química e Alimentos, Laboratório de Análise de Compostos Orgânicos e Metais (LACOM), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Av Itália, km 8, Rio Grande, RS 96201-900, Brazil
| | - Ítalo Braga Castro
- Instituto do Mar, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Campus Baixada Santista, Brazil
| | - Teresa Cristina Rodrigues Dos Santos Franco
- Departamento de Tecnologia Química, Laboratório de Química Analítica e Ecotoxicologia, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, Av dos Portugueses, 1966, Bacanga, São Luís, MA 65080805, Brazil
| | - Ednei Gilberto Primel
- Post-Graduate Program in Technological and Environmental Chemistry, Escola de Química e Alimentos, Laboratório de Análise de Compostos Orgânicos e Metais (LACOM), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Av Itália, km 8, Rio Grande, RS 96201-900, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ding R, Liu S, He C, Nie X. Paracetamol affects the expression of detoxification- and reproduction-related genes and alters the life traits of Daphnia magna. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2020; 29:398-406. [PMID: 32300985 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-020-02199-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Paracetamol (APAP) is a widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and has been frequently detected in aquatic environment. However, limited information is provided about the toxic effects and detoxification mechanism of APAP in aquatic invertebrates. In the present study, the change of life traits of Daphnia magna (e.g., body length, growth rate and reproduction) was investigated under the chronic APAP exposure (0-5000 μg/L) for 21 day, and the effects of APAP on the expression of the detoxification- and reproduction-related genes including HR96, CYP360A8, CYP314, MRP4, P-gp, EcR and Vtg in the acute exposure (up to 96 h) were also determined. Results showed that the molting frequency, days to the first brood and days to the first egg production of D. magna were affected under the 50 μg/L concentration of APAP in the chronic exposure test. In the acute test, the transcriptional expression of HR96 was up-regulated under APAP exposure for 24 and 48 h. Similar performances were also observed in the expression of CYP360A8, CYP314, MRP4 and P-gp. However, with exposure time extended to 96 h, the induction of HR96 decreased or even reversed in some cases. It may indicate that the defense system in Daphnia is activated for a short time of exposure or becomes adaptive after longer term of exposure. APAP exposure also affected reproduction-related genes expression, which was related to the exposure time and concentration of APAP. In summary, APAP significantly affected the expression of genes associated with detoxification metabolism and altered some physiological parameters in D. magna.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Ding
- Department of Ecology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Sijia Liu
- Department of Ecology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Cuiping He
- Department of Ecology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xiangping Nie
- Department of Ecology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- Key Laboratory of Eutrophication and Red Tide Prevention of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Galex IA, Gallant CM, D'Avignon N, Kuchenbrod LM, Fletcher CA, Rogala AR. Evaluation of Effective and Practical Euthanasia Methods for Larval African Clawed Frogs ( Xenopus laevis). JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE 2020; 59:269-274. [PMID: 32164797 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-jaalas-19-000141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Larval, or tadpole-stage Xenopus laevis frogs are a popular research model for developmental biology and disease studies. Existing euthanasia guidance documents offer recommendations for both eggs and adult stages, yet do not specifically address the larval stage. Data evaluating effective euthanasia methods for groups of X. laevis tadpoles would therefore be useful. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy of various immersion euthanasia procedures on tadpoles: tricaine methanesulfonate (MS222) at 6 g/L, eugenol at 800 μL/L and rapid chilling (2 to 4 °C). We also evaluated tadpoles at various developmental stages (NF stages 46, 47 and 49). Tadpoles (n = 70) were exposed to euthanasia solution for 15 min, and controls (n = 40) were placed in housing tank water for 15 min. All animals were then placed in recovery tanks containing housing tank water for 4 h to confirm irreversibility of each agent. Cessation of the heartbeat was assessed at the end of euthanasia solution exposure and at each hour thereafter. We found that immersion in a 6 g/L solution of MS222 resulted in 100% euthanasia of all larval stages tested. Conversely, eugenol produced variable euthanasia rates that were affected by both age group and batches of stock solutions. Rapid chilling was completely ineffective as a euthanasia method in our study. Based on our findings, we recommend MS222 as an effective and practical means of euthanizing large numbers of X. laevis tadpoles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilana A Galex
- Division of Comparative Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Cameron M Gallant
- Division of Comparative Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Nicole D'Avignon
- Division of Comparative Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Lauren M Kuchenbrod
- Division of Comparative Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Craig A Fletcher
- Division of Comparative Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Allison R Rogala
- Division of Comparative Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolinal,
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Giménez V, Nunes B. Effects of commonly used therapeutic drugs, paracetamol, and acetylsalicylic acid, on key physiological traits of the sea snail Gibbula umbilicalis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:21858-21870. [PMID: 31134547 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-04653-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Over time, the consumption of pharmaceutical drugs has highly augmented, directly contributing for an increase of the discharges of these substances into sewage water due to excretion, and their direct release to the environment, with or without adequate treatment. Considering that part of the sewage water is dumped into rivers and seas, this is the major source of contamination of the aquatic environment. Paracetamol and acetylsalicylic acid are among the most worldwide consumed pharmaceutical drugs, frequently found in wastewater discharges and consequently in the aquatic environment in considerable amounts, posing ecotoxicity concerns especially towards aquatic non-target species. Thus, it is important to study the ecotoxicological implications that these drugs might pose to organisms from aquatic environments. The objective of this study was to assess the toxic effects of these two compounds on key biochemical features (antioxidant defenses and damage, metabolism, and cholinergic neurotoxicity) of the marine snail species Gibbula umbilicalis after an acute (96 h) exposure, simulating pulses of contamination. In order to understand the effects that those drugs have on this species, the biochemical biomarkers analyzed were the activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs), cholinesterases (ChEs), and the levels of lipid peroxidation (TBARS). After acute exposure to paracetamol, catalase activity decreased significantly in organisms exposed to both highest concentrations; no significant alterations were observed for glutathione-S-transferases activity; TBARS concentration decreased significantly in organisms exposed to the intermediate and both highest concentrations, and cholinesterase activity increased significantly in animals exposed to the lowest concentration. However, after acute exposure to acetylsalicylic acid, catalase activity increased significantly; no significant alterations were observed for glutathione-S-transferases activity, and TBARS concentrations and cholinesterase activity increased. This set of data shows that G. umbilicalis is highly responsive to the presence of the tested drugs, and may thus be a promising species to serve as test organism in future marine ecotoxicological testing. The adoption of this species may broaden the offer of highly ecologically representative test organisms to be included in biomonitoring projects of the coastal and marine environment. Furthermore, it is possible to suggest that both drugs may pose significant deleterious effects of pro-oxidative origin to the physiology of the selected species, with potential adverse ecological consequences, even after short periods of exposure. The absence of neurotoxicity showed that despite being able to trigger antioxidant mechanisms, both drugs did not affect neurotransmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valéria Giménez
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Bruno Nunes
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
- Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Campus de Santiago, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|