Monoamines in the albumen gland, plasma, and central nervous system of the snail Biomphalaria glabrata during egg-laying

Environmentally relevant concentrations of the tricyclic antidepressant, amitriptyline, affect feeding and reproduction in a freshwater mollusc

Antidepressant drugs (ADDs) are one of the most extensively used pharmaceuticals globally. They act at particularly low therapeutic concentrations to modulate monoamine neurotransmission, which is one of the most evolutionary conserved pathways in both humans and animal species including invertebrates. As ADDs are widely detected in the aquatic environment at low concentrations (ng/L to low µg/L), their potential to exert drug-target mediated effects in aquatic species has raised serious concerns. Amitriptyline (AMI) is the most widely used tricyclic ADD, while monoamines, the target of ADDs, are major bioregulators of multiple key physiological processes including feeding, reproduction and behaviour in molluscs. However, the effects of AMI on feeding, reproduction and mating behaviour are unknown in molluscs despite their ecological importance, diversity and reported sensitivity to ADDs. To address this knowledge gap, we investigated the effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of AMI (0, 10, 100, 500 and 1000 ng/L) on feeding, reproduction and key locomotor behaviours, including mating, in the freshwater gastropod, Biomphalaria glabrata over a period of 28 days. To further provide insight into the sensitivity of molluscs to ADDs, AMI concentrations (exposure water and hemolymph) were determined using a novel extraction method. The Fish Plasma Model (FPM), a critical tool for prioritization assessment of pharmaceuticals with potential to cause drug target-mediated effects in fish, was then evaluated for its applicability to molluscs for the first time. Disruption of food intake (1000 ng/L) and reproductive output (500 and 1000 ng/L) were observed at particularly low hemolymph levels of AMI, whereas locomotor behaviours were unaffected. Importantly, the predicted hemolymph levels of AMI using the FPM agreed closely with the measured levels. The findings suggest that hemolymph levels of AMI may be a useful indicator of feeding and reproductive disruptions in wild population of freshwater gastropods, and confirm the applicability of the FPM to molluscs for comparative pharmaceutical hazard identification.

Understanding target-specific effects of antidepressant drug pollution on molluscs: A systematic review protocol

BACKGROUND

The environmental prevalence of widely prescribed human pharmaceuticals that target key evolutionary conserved biomolecules present across phyla is concerning. Antidepressants, one of the most widely consumed pharmaceuticals globally, have been developed to target biomolecules modulating monoaminergic neurotransmission, thus interfering with the endogenous regulation of multiple key neurophysiological processes. Furthermore, rising prescription and consumption rates of antidepressants caused by the burgeoning incidence of depression is consistent with increasing reports of antidepressant detection in aquatic environments worldwide. Consequently, there are growing concerns that long-term exposure to environmental levels of antidepressants may cause adverse drug target-specific effects on non-target aquatic organisms. While these concerns have resulted in a considerable body of research addressing a range of toxicological endpoints, drug target-specific effects of environmental levels of different classes of antidepressants in non-target aquatic organisms remain to be understood. Interestingly, evidence suggests that molluscs may be more vulnerable to the effects of antidepressants than any other animal phylum, making them invaluable in understanding the effects of antidepressants on wildlife. Here, a protocol for the systematic review of literature to understand drug target-specific effects of environmental levels of different classes of antidepressants on aquatic molluscs is described. The study will provide critical insight needed to understand and characterize effects of antidepressants relevant to regulatory risk assessment decision-making, and/or direct future research efforts.

METHODS

The systematic review will be conducted in line with the guidelines by the Collaboration for Environmental Evidence (CEE). A literature search on Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, as well as grey literature databases, will be carried out. Using predefined criteria, study selection, critical appraisal and data extraction will be done by multiple reviewers with a web-based evidence synthesis platform. A narrative synthesis of outcomes of selected studies will be presented. The protocol has been registered in the Open Science Framework (OSF) registry with the registration DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/P4H8W.

Dopamine as a Multifunctional Neurotransmitter in Gastropod Molluscs: An Evolutionary Hypothesis

AbstractThe catecholamine 3,4-dihydroxyphenethylamine, or dopamine, acts as a neurotransmitter across a broad phylogenetic spectrum. Functions attributed to dopamine in the mammalian brain include regulation of motor circuits, valuation of sensory stimuli, and mediation of reward or reinforcement signals. Considerable evidence also supports a neurotransmitter role for dopamine in gastropod molluscs, and there is growing appreciation for its potential common functions across phylogeny. This article reviews evidence for dopamine's transmitter role in the nervous systems of gastropods. The functional properties of identified dopaminergic neurons in well-characterized neural circuits suggest a hypothetical incremental sequence by which dopamine accumulated its diverse roles. The successive acquisition of dopamine functions is proposed in the context of gastropod feeding behavior: (1) sensation of potential nutrients, (2) activation of motor circuits, (3) selection of motor patterns from multifunctional circuits, (4) valuation of sensory stimuli with reference to internal state, (5) association of motor programs with their outcomes, and (6) coincidence detection between sensory stimuli and their consequences. At each stage of this sequence, it is proposed that existing functions of dopaminergic neurons favored their recruitment to fulfill additional information processing demands. Common functions of dopamine in other intensively studied groups, ranging from mammals and insects to nematodes, suggest an ancient origin for this progression.

Biochemical and apoptotic changes in the nervous and ovotestis tissues of Biomphalaria alexandrina following infection with Schistosoma mansoni

Infection with trematodes produces physiological and behavioural changes in intermediate snail hosts. One response to infection is parasitic castration, in which energy required for reproduction of the host is thought to be redirected to promote development and multiplication of the parasite. This study investigated some reproductive and biochemical parameters in the nervous (CNS) and ovotestis (OT) tissues of Biomphalaria alexandrina during the course of Schistosoma mansoni infection. Antioxidant and oxidative stress parameters including catalase (CAT), nitric oxide (NO) and lipid peroxidation (MDA) were measured. Levels of steroid hormones, including testosterone, progesterone and estradiol, were also assessed. Finally, flow cytometry was used to compare measures of apoptosis between control snails and those shedding cercariae by examining mitochondrial membrane potential with the stain 5,5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethylbenzimi-dazolylcarbocyanine iodide (JC-1) and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Infection with S. mansoni caused a 47.7% reduction in the net reproductive rate (R_o) of B. alexandrina. CAT activity was increased in the CNS at 21 days post infection (dpi) but by 28 dpi it was reduced below control values. Also, CAT activity increased significantly in the OT at 14, 21 and 28 dpi. In CNS tissues, NO levels were reduced at 7 dpi, increased at 14 and 21 dpi, and reduced again at 28 dpi. The overall level of lipid peroxidation gradually increased during the course of infection to reach its highest levels at 28 dpi. Steroid hormone measurements showed that concentrations of testosterone and estradiol were reduced in the CNS tissues at 28 dpi, while those of progesterone were slightly increased in the CNS and OT tissues. The percentage of cells that positively stained with JC-1was significantly increased in CNS and OT tissues of infected snails while the percentage of cells positively stained with PARP was decreased compared to controls. Together, these findings indicate that infection initiates diverse biochemical and hormonal changes leading to loss of cells responsible for egg laying and reproduction in B. alexandrina.

Relationship between the grades of a learned aversive-feeding response and the dopamine contents in Lymnaea

The pond snail Lymnaea learns conditioned taste aversion (CTA) and remembers not to respond to food substances that initially cause a feeding response. The possible relationship between how well snails learn to follow taste-aversion training and brain dopamine contents is not known. We examined this relationship and found the following: first, snails in the act of eating just before the commencement of CTA training were poor learners and had the highest dopamine contents in the brain; second, snails which had an ad libitum access to food, but were not eating just before training, were average learners and had lower dopamine contents; third, snails food-deprived for one day before training were the best learners and had significantly lower contents of dopamine compared to the previous two cohorts. There was a negative correlation between the CTA grades and the brain dopamine contents in these three cohorts. Fourth, snails food-deprived for five days before training were poor learners and had higher dopamine contents. Thus, severe hunger increased the dopamine content in the brain. Because dopamine functions as a reward transmitter, CTA in the severely deprived snails (i.e. the fourth cohort) was thought to be mitigated by a high dopamine content.

Monoamine content during the reproductive cycle of Perna perna depends on site of origin on the Atlantic Coast of Morocco

Bivalve molluscs such as Perna perna display temporal cycles of reproduction that result from the complex interplay between endogenous and exogenous signals. The monoamines serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline represent possible endocrine and neuronal links between these signals allowing the molluscs to modulate reproductive functions in conjunction with environmental constraints. Here, we report a disruption of the reproductive cycle of mussels collected from two of three sites along the Moroccan atlantic coast soiled by industrial or domestic waste. Using high pressure liquid chromatography, we show that the temporal pattern of monoamine content in the gonads, pedal and cerebroid ganglia varied throughout the reproductive cycle (resting, developing, maturing, egg-laying) of mussels from the unpolluted site. Marked modification of monoamine tissue content was found between sites, notably in noradrenaline content of the gonads. Discriminant statistics revealed a specific impact of mussel location on the temporal variations of noradrenaline and serotonin levels in gonads and cerebroid ganglia. Correlation analyses showed profound and temporal changes in the monoamine content between organs and ganglia, at the two sites where the reproduction was disrupted. We suggest that environmental constraints lead to profound changes of monoaminergic systems, which thereby compromises the entry of mussels into their reproductive cycle.

Histamine Immunoreactive Elements in the Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems of the Snail, Biomphalaria spp., Intermediate Host for Schistosoma mansoni

Histamine appears to be an important transmitter throughout the Animal Kingdom. Gastropods, in particular, have been used in numerous studies establishing potential roles for this biogenic amine in the nervous system and showing its involvement in the generation of diverse behaviours. And yet, the distribution of histamine has only previously been described in a small number of molluscan species. The present study examined the localization of histamine-like immunoreactivity in the central and peripheral nervous systems of pulmonate snails of the genus Biomphalaria. This investigation demonstrates immunoreactive cells throughout the buccal, cerebral, pedal, left parietal and visceral ganglia, indicative of diverse regulatory functions in Biomphalaria. Immunoreactivity was also present in statocyst hair cells, supporting a role for histamine in graviception. In the periphery, dense innervation by immunoreactive fibers was observed in the anterior foot, perioral zone, and other regions of the body wall. This study thus shows that histamine is an abundant transmitter in these snails and its distribution suggest involvement in numerous neural circuits. In addition to providing novel subjects for comparative studies of histaminegic neurons in gastropods, Biomphalaria is also the major intermediate host for the digenetic trematode parasite, which causes human schistosomiasis. The study therefore provides a foundation for understanding potential roles for histamine in interactions between the snail hosts and their trematode parasites.

Localization of tyrosine hydroxylase-like immunoreactivity in the nervous systems of Biomphalaria glabrata and Biomphalaria alexandrina, intermediate hosts for schistosomiasis

Planorbid snails of the genus Biomphalaria are major intermediate hosts for the digenetic trematode parasite Schistosoma mansoni. Evidence suggests that levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) are reduced during the course of S. mansoni multiplication and transformation within the snail. This investigation used immunohistochemical methods to localize tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of catecholamines, in the nervous system of Biomphalaria. The two species examined, Biomphalaria glabrata and Biomphalaria alexandrina, are the major intermediate hosts for S. mansoni in sub-Saharan Africa, where more than 90% of global cases of human intestinal schistosomiasis occur. TH-like immunoreactive (THli) neurons were distributed throughout the central nervous system (CNS) and labeled fibers were present in all commissures, connectives, and nerves. Some asymmetries were observed, including a large distinctive neuron (LPeD1) in the pedal ganglion described previously in several pulmonates. The majority of TH-like immunoreactive neurons were detected in the peripheral nervous system (PNS), especially in lip and foot regions of the anterior integument. Independent observations supporting the dopaminergic phenotype of THli neurons included 1) block of LPeD1 synaptic signaling by the D2/3 antagonist sulpiride, and 2) the similar localization of aqueous aldehyde (FaGlu)-induced fluorescence. The distribution of THli neurons indicates that, as in other gastropods, dopamine functions as a sensory neurotransmitter and in the regulation of feeding and reproductive behaviors in Biomphalaria. It is hypothesized that infection could stimulate transmitter release from dopaminergic sensory neurons and that dopaminergic signaling could contribute to modifications of both host and parasite behavior.

Localization of serotonin in the nervous system of Biomphalaria glabrata, an intermediate host for schistosomiasis

The digenetic trematode Schistosoma mansoni that causes the form of schistosomiasis found in the Western Hemisphere requires the freshwater snail Biomphalaria glabrata as its primary intermediate host. It has been proposed that the transition from the free-living S. mansoni miracidium to parasitic mother sporocyst depends on uptake of biogenic amines, e.g. serotonin, from the snail host. However, little is known about potential sources of serotonin in B. glabrata tissues. This investigation examined the localization of serotonin-like immunoreactivity (5HTli) in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral tissues of B. glabrata. Emphasis was placed on the cephalic and anterior pedal regions that are commonly the sites of S. mansoni miracidium penetration. The anterior foot and body wall were densely innervated by 5HTli fibers but no peripheral immunoreactive neuronal somata were detected. Within the CNS, clusters of 5HTli neurons were observed in the cerebral, pedal, left parietal, and visceral ganglia, suggesting that the peripheral serotonergic fibers originate from the CNS. Double-labeling experiments (biocytin backfill × serotonin immunoreactivity) of the tentacular nerve and the three major pedal nerves (Pd n. 10, Pd n. 11, and Pd n. 12) disclosed central neurons that project to the cephalopedal periphery. Overall, the central distribution of 5HTli neurons suggests that, as in other gastropods, serotonin regulates the locomotion, reproductive, and feeding systems of Biomphalaria. The projections to the foot and body wall indicate that serotonin may also participate in defensive, nociceptive, or inflammation responses. These observations identify potential sources of host-derived serotonin in this parasite-host system. Inc.

Identification of protein components of egg masses indicates parental investment in immunoprotection of offspring by Biomphalaria glabrata (gastropoda, mollusca)

The macromolecules contributed by the freshwater gastropod Biomphalaria glabrata, intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni, to developing offspring inside egg masses are poorly known. SDS-PAGE fractionated egg mass fluids (EMF) of M line and BB02 B. glabrata were analyzed by MALDI-TOF (MS and tandem MS). A MASCOT database was assembled with EST data from B. glabrata and other molluscs to aid in sequence characterization. Of approximately 20 major EMF polypeptides, 16 were identified as defense-related, including protease inhibitors, a hemocyanin-like factor and tyrosinase (each with possible phenoloxidase activity), extracellular Cu-Zn SOD, two categories of C-type lectins, Gram-negative bacteria-binding protein (GNBP), aplysianin/achacin-like protein, as well as versions of lipopolysaccharide binding protein/bacterial permeability-increasing proteins (LBP/BPI) that differed from those previously described from hemocytes. Along with two sequences that were encoded by "unknown" ESTs, EMF also yielded a compound containing a vWF domain that is likely involved in defense and a polypeptide with homology to the Aplysia pheromone temptin. Further study of B. glabrata pheromones is warranted as these could be useful in efforts to control these schistosome-transmitting snails. Several of the EMF polypeptides were contained in the albumen gland, the organ that produces most EMF. Thus, parental investment of B. glabrata in immunoprotection of its offspring is indicated to be considerable.

Developmental expression analysis and immunolocalization of a biogenic amine receptor in Schistosoma mansoni

A Schistosoma mansoni G-protein coupled receptor (SmGPCR) was previously cloned and shown to be activated by the biogenic amine, histamine. Here we report a first investigation of the receptor's subunit organization, tissue distribution and expression levels in different stages of the parasite. A polyclonal antibody was produced in rabbits against the recombinant third intracellular loop (il3) of SmGPCR. Western blot studies of the native receptor and recombinant protein expressed in HEK293 cells showed that SmGPCR exists both as a monomer (65 kDa) and an apparent dimer of approximately 130 kDa These species were verified by immunoprecipitation of SmGPCR from S. mansoni extracts, using antibody that was covalently attached to agarose beads. Further investigation determined that the SmGPCR dimer was resistant to treatment with various detergents, 4 M urea and 0.1 M DTT but could be made to dissociate at acidic pH, suggesting the dimer is non-covalent in nature. Confocal immunofluorescence studies revealed significant SmGPCR immunoreactivity in sporocysts, schistosomula and adult worms but not miracidia. SmGPCR was found to be most widely expressed in the schistosomula, particularly the tegument, the subtegumental musculature and the acetabulum. In the adult stage we detected SmGPCR immunofluorescence mainly in the tubercles of male worms and, to a lesser extent, the body wall musculature. Localization in sporocysts was mainly confined to the tegument and cells within parenchymal matrices. A real-time quantitative reverse-transcription PCR analysis revealed that SmGPCR is upregulated at the mRNA level in the parasitic stages compared to the free-living miracidium and cercariae, and it is particularly elevated during early sporocyst and schistosomula development. The results identify SmGPCR as an important parasite receptor with potential functions in muscle and the tegument of S. mansoni.

SEROTONIN-INDUCED MUSCULAR ACTIVITY IN SCHISTOSOMA MANSONI LARVAL STAGES: IMPORTANCE OF 5-HT TRANSPORT AND ROLE IN DAUGHTER SPOROCYST PRODUCTION

Mother sporocysts of Schistosoma mansoni transport exogenously supplied serotonin (5-hydroxytrypamine; 5-HT), and respond to it with increases in motility. In the present study, we investigated the importance of 5-HT transporter activity in the manifestation of these 5-HT-induced motility changes, and further examined the role of 5-HT in the development of daughter sporocysts in vitro. Serotonin-induced motility of in vitro-derived sporocysts is not inhibited by antidepressant compounds, e.g., fluoxetine, that block 5-HT transport, suggesting that the receptors responsible for motility responses to 5-HT are surface exposed. Using a sporocyst in vitro culture system, we show that depletion of larval stores of 5-HT reduces production of daughter sporocysts, the second intramolluscan larval stage. Moreover, we demonstrate a strong correlation between endogenous 5-HT levels and basal mother sporocyst muscle activity. Overall, these data suggest that larval stages of S. mansoni can detect exogenous 5-HT via surface-exposed receptors, and they are consistent with the hypothesis that endogenous stores of 5-HT are important for the proper regulation of muscular contractions in mother sporocysts, and for the successful emergence of daughter sporocysts.

Dopamine stimulates snail albumen gland glycoprotein secretion through the activation of a D1-like receptor

The catecholamine dopamine is present in both the central nervous system and in the peripheral tissues of molluscs, where it is involved in regulating reproduction. Application of exogenous dopamine to the isolated albumen gland of the freshwater pulmonate snail Helisoma duryi (Wetherby) induces the secretion (release) of perivitelline fluid. The major protein component of the perivitelline fluid of Helisoma duryi is a native 288 kDa glycoprotein that is secreted around individual eggs and serves as an important source of nutrients for the developing embryos. The secretion of glycoprotein by the albumen gland is a highly regulated event that must be coordinated with the arrival of the fertilized ovum at the carrefour (the region where the eggs receive albumen gland secretory products). In order to elucidate the intracellular signalling pathway(s) mediating dopamine-induced glycoprotein secretion, albumen gland cAMP production and glycoprotein secretion were measured in the presence/absence of selected dopamine receptor agonists and antagonists. Dopamine D1-selective agonists dihydrexidine, 6,7-ADTN and SKF81297 stimulated cAMP production and glycoprotein secretion from isolated albumen glands whereas D1-selective antagonists SCH23390 and SKF83566 suppressed dopamine-stimulated cAMP production. Dopamine D2-selective agonists and antagonists generally had no effect on cAMP production or protein secretion. Based on the effects of these compounds, a pharmacological profile was obtained that strongly suggests the presence of a dopamine D1-like receptor in the albumen gland of Helisoma duryi. In addition, secretion of albumen gland glycoprotein was not inhibited by protein kinase A inhibitors, suggesting that dopamine-stimulated protein secretion might occur through a protein kinase A-independent pathway.