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Bertucci JI, Blanco Osorio A, Vidal-Liñán L, Bellas J. Developmental and biochemical markers of the impact of pollutant mixtures under the effect of Global Climate Change. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 358:142162. [PMID: 38697568 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142162] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates the combined impact of microplastics (MP) and Chlorpyriphos (CPF) on sea urchin larvae (Paracentrotus lividus) under the backdrop of ocean warming and acidification. While the individual toxic effects of these pollutants have been previously reported, their combined effects remain poorly understood. Two experiments were conducted using different concentrations of CPF (EC10 and EC50) based on previous studies from our group. MP were adsorbed in CPF to simulate realistic environmental conditions. Additionally, water acidification and warming protocols were implemented to mimic future ocean conditions. Sea urchin embryo toxicity tests were conducted to assess larval development under various treatment combinations of CPF, MP, ocean acidification (OA), and temperature (OW). Morphometric measurements and biochemical analyses were performed to evaluate the effects comprehensively. Results indicate that combined stressors lead to significant morphological alterations, such as increased larval width and reduced stomach volume. Furthermore, biochemical biomarkers like acetylcholinesterase (AChE), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and glutathione reductase (GRx) activities were affected, indicating oxidative stress and impaired detoxification capacity. Interestingly, while temperature increase was expected to enhance larval growth, it instead induced thermal stress, resulting in lower growth rates. This underscores the importance of considering multiple stressors in ecological assessments. Biochemical biomarkers provided early indications of stress responses, complementing traditional growth measurements. The study highlights the necessity of holistic approaches when assessing environmental impacts on marine ecosystems. Understanding interactions between pollutants and environmental stressors is crucial for effective conservation strategies. Future research should delve deeper into the impacts at lower biological levels and explore adaptive mechanisms in marine organisms facing multiple stressors. By doing so, we can better anticipate and mitigate the adverse effects of anthropogenic pollutants on marine biodiversity and ecosystem health.
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Affiliation(s)
- J I Bertucci
- Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Instituto Español de Oceanografía IEO-CSIC, Subida a Radio Faro, 50, Vigo, Pontevedra, Postal Code: 36390, Spain.
| | - A Blanco Osorio
- Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Instituto Español de Oceanografía IEO-CSIC, Subida a Radio Faro, 50, Vigo, Pontevedra, Postal Code: 36390, Spain
| | - L Vidal-Liñán
- Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Instituto Español de Oceanografía IEO-CSIC, Subida a Radio Faro, 50, Vigo, Pontevedra, Postal Code: 36390, Spain
| | - J Bellas
- Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Instituto Español de Oceanografía IEO-CSIC, Subida a Radio Faro, 50, Vigo, Pontevedra, Postal Code: 36390, Spain
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2
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Gambardella C, Miroglio R, Trenti F, Guella G, Panevska A, Sbrana F, Grunder M, Garaventa F, Sepčić K. Assessing the toxicity of aegerolysin-based bioinsecticidal complexes using the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus as model organism. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 264:106727. [PMID: 37866166 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2023.106727] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
The use of alternative solutions for pest management to replace pesticides in agriculture is of great interest. Proteinaceous complexes deriving from edible oyster mushrooms were recently proposed as environmentally friendly bioinsecticides. Such complexes, composed of ostreolysin A6 (OlyA6) and pleurotolysin B (PlyB), target invertebrate-specific membrane sphingolipids in insect's midgut, causing death through the formation of transmembrane pores. In this work, the potential impact of OlyA6/PlyB complexes was tested in the Mediterranean sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus, as an indicator of environmental quality. The ability of the fluorescently tagged OlyA6 to bind sea urchin gametes (sperm, eggs), the lipidome of sea urchin gametes, and the potential toxic effects and developmental anomalies caused by OlyA6/PlyB complexes on P. lividus early development (embryo, larvae) were investigated. The binding of the fluorescently tagged OlyA6 could be observed only in sea urchin eggs, which harbor OlyA6 sphingolipid membrane receptors, conversely to sperm. High protein concentrations affected sea urchin fertilization (>750 µg/L) and early development (> 375 µg/L in embryos; >100 µg/L in larvae), by causing toxicity and morphological anomalies in embryos and larvae. The main anomalies consisted in delayed embryos and incorrect migration of the primary mesenchyme cells that caused larval skeletal anomalies. The classification of these anomalies indicated a slight environmental impact of OlyA6/PlyB complexes at concentrations higher than 750 µg/L. Such impact should not persist in the marine environment, due to the reversible anomalies observed in sea urchin embryos and larvae that may promote defense strategies. However, before promoting the use of OlyA6/PlyB complexes as bio-pesticides at low concentrations, further studies on other marine coastal species are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Gambardella
- National Research Council-Institute for the Study of the Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in the Marine Environment (CNR-IAS), Genoa, Italy.
| | - Roberta Miroglio
- National Research Council-Institute for the Study of the Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in the Marine Environment (CNR-IAS), Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesco Trenti
- Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Graziano Guella
- Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Anastasija Panevska
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Francesca Sbrana
- National Research Council- Institute of Biophysics (CNR-IBF), Genoa, Italy
| | - Maja Grunder
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Francesca Garaventa
- National Research Council-Institute for the Study of the Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in the Marine Environment (CNR-IAS), Genoa, Italy
| | - Kristina Sepčić
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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3
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Bellas J, Rial D, Valdés J, Vidal-Liñán L, Bertucci JI, Muniategui S, León VM, Campillo JA. Linking biochemical and individual-level effects of chlorpyrifos, triphenyl phosphate, and bisphenol A on sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus) larvae. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:46174-46187. [PMID: 35165844 PMCID: PMC9209388 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19099-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The effects of three relevant organic pollutants: chlorpyrifos (CPF), a widely used insecticide, triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), employed as flame retardant and as plastic additive, and bisphenol A (BPA), used primarily as plastic additive, on sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus) larvae, were investigated. Experiments consisted of exposing sea urchin fertilized eggs throughout their development to the 4-arm pluteus larval stage. The antioxidant enzymes glutathione reductase (GR) and catalase (CAT), the phase II detoxification enzyme glutathione S-transferase (GST), and the neurotransmitter catabolism enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were assessed in combination with responses at the individual level (larval growth). CPF was the most toxic compound with 10 and 50% effective concentrations (EC10 and EC50) values of 60 and 279 μg/l (0.17 and 0.80 μM), followed by TPHP with EC10 and EC50 values of 224 and 1213 μg/l (0.68 and 3.7 μM), and by BPA with EC10 and EC50 values of 885 and 1549 μg/l (3.9 and 6.8 μM). The toxicity of the three compounds was attributed to oxidative stress, to the modulation of the AChE response, and/or to the reduction of the detoxification efficacy. Increasing trends in CAT activity were observed for BPA and, to a lower extent, for CPF. GR activity showed a bell-shaped response in larvae exposed to CPF, whereas BPA caused an increasing trend in GR. GST also displayed a bell-shaped response to CPF exposure and a decreasing trend was observed for TPHP. An inhibition pattern in AChE activity was observed at increasing BPA concentrations. A potential role of the GST in the metabolism of CPF was proposed, but not for TPHP or BPA, and a significant increase of AChE activity associated with oxidative stress was observed in TPHP-exposed larvae. Among the biochemical responses, the GR activity was found to be a reliable biomarker of exposure for sea urchin early-life stages, providing a first sign of damage. These results show that the integration of responses at the biochemical level with fitness-related responses (e.g., growth) may help to improve knowledge about the impact of toxic substances on marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Bellas
- Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO, CSIC), Subida a Radio Faro 50, 36390, Vigo, Spain.
| | - Diego Rial
- Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO, CSIC), Subida a Radio Faro 50, 36390, Vigo, Spain
| | - Juliana Valdés
- Centro Oceanográfico de Murcia, Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO, CSIC), Varadero 1, San Pedro del Pinatar, 30740, Murcia, Spain
| | - Leticia Vidal-Liñán
- Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO, CSIC), Subida a Radio Faro 50, 36390, Vigo, Spain
| | - Juan I Bertucci
- Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO, CSIC), Subida a Radio Faro 50, 36390, Vigo, Spain
| | - Soledad Muniategui
- Grupo Química Analítica Aplicada (QANAP), Instituto Universitario de Medio Ambiente (IUMA), Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Avanzadas (CICA), Departamento de Química Analítica, Facultade de Ciencias, Universidade da Coruña, Campus de A Coruña, 15071, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Víctor M León
- Centro Oceanográfico de Murcia, Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO, CSIC), Varadero 1, San Pedro del Pinatar, 30740, Murcia, Spain
| | - Juan A Campillo
- Centro Oceanográfico de Murcia, Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO, CSIC), Varadero 1, San Pedro del Pinatar, 30740, Murcia, Spain
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Gambardella C, Marcellini F, Falugi C, Varrella S, Corinaldesi C. Early-stage anomalies in the sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus) as bioindicators of multiple stressors in the marine environment: Overview and future perspectives. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 287:117608. [PMID: 34182396 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The morphological anomalies of the early development stages of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus, caused by exposure to environmental stressors, are used as biomarker in ecotoxicological and ecological investigations. Here, we reviewed the available literature and classified the embryo and larval anomalies identified so far, to highlight potential commonalities or differences related to the biological action of the different stressors and their ecological impact. Morphological anomalies are influenced by a) the developmental stage of exposure to stressors; b) the intensity of the stress; c) the intra- and inter-cellular mechanisms affected by the exposure to environmental agents. The classification and analysis of embryo and larvae anomalies, either observed by the authors of this review and reported in literature, indicate that sea urchin abnormalities, caused by exposure to different stressors, can be very similar among them and classified into 18 main types, which can occur individually or mixed. All anomalies can be used to calculate an Index of Contaminant Impact to assess the impact of multiple stressors and to identify relationships between morphological anomalies and compromised biological mechanisms. This approach could be useful for a first screening of the presence of potential stressors impairing the growth and development of the early life stages of marine organisms, thus providing a relevant advancement for in future monitoring activities devoted to assess the health status in coastal marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Gambardella
- Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche - Istituto per Lo Studio Degli Impatti Antropici e Sostenibilità in Ambiente Marino (CNR-IAS), Via de Marini 6, 16149, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Carla Falugi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Della Vita e Dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Stefano Varrella
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Ingegneria Della Materia, Dell'Ambiente e Urbanistica, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Cinzia Corinaldesi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Ingegneria Della Materia, Dell'Ambiente e Urbanistica, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy.
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Deidda I, Russo R, Bonaventura R, Costa C, Zito F, Lampiasi N. Neurotoxicity in Marine Invertebrates: An Update. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:161. [PMID: 33670451 PMCID: PMC7922589 DOI: 10.3390/biology10020161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Invertebrates represent about 95% of existing species, and most of them belong to aquatic ecosystems. Marine invertebrates are found at intermediate levels of the food chain and, therefore, they play a central role in the biodiversity of ecosystems. Furthermore, these organisms have a short life cycle, easy laboratory manipulation, and high sensitivity to marine pollution and, therefore, they are considered to be optimal bioindicators for assessing detrimental chemical agents that are related to the marine environment and with potential toxicity to human health, including neurotoxicity. In general, albeit simple, the nervous system of marine invertebrates is composed of neuronal and glial cells, and it exhibits biochemical and functional similarities with the vertebrate nervous system, including humans. In recent decades, new genetic and transcriptomic technologies have made the identification of many neural genes and transcription factors homologous to those in humans possible. Neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and altered levels of neurotransmitters are some of the aspects of neurotoxic effects that can also occur in marine invertebrate organisms. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of major marine pollutants, such as heavy metals, pesticides, and micro and nano-plastics, with a focus on their neurotoxic effects in marine invertebrate organisms. This review could be a stimulus to bio-research towards the use of invertebrate model systems other than traditional, ethically questionable, time-consuming, and highly expensive mammalian models.
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Senescence and Longevity of Sea Urchins. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11050573. [PMID: 32443861 PMCID: PMC7288282 DOI: 10.3390/genes11050573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Sea urchins are a minor class of marine invertebrates that share genetic similarities with humans. For example, the sea urchin species Strongylocentrotus purpuratus is estimated to have 23,300 genes in which the majority of vertebrate gene families are enveloped. Some of the sea urchin species can demonstrate extreme longevity, such as Mesocentrotus franciscanus, living for well over 100 years. Comparing human to sea urchin aging suggests that the latter do not fit within the classic understanding of biological aging, as both long- and short-lived sea urchin species demonstrate negligible senescence. Sea urchins are highly regenerative organisms. Adults can regenerate external appendages and can maintain their regenerative abilities throughout life. They grow indeterminately and reproduce throughout their entire adult life. Both long- and short-lived species do not exhibit age-associated telomere shortening and display telomerase activity in somatic tissues regardless of age. Aging S. purpuratus urchins show changes in expression patterns of protein coding genes that are involved in several fundamental cellular functions such as the ubiquitin-proteasome system, signaling pathways, translational regulation, and electron transport chain. Sea urchin longevity and senescence research is a new and promising field that holds promise for the understanding of aging in vertebrates and can increase our understanding of human longevity and of healthy aging.
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Li A, Espinoza J, Hamdoun A. Inhibitory effects of neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine on fertilization and early development of the sea urchin Lytechinus pictus. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2020; 221:105425. [PMID: 32058875 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2020.105425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Neurotoxin β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) has been widely detected in diverse aquatic organisms and hypothesized as an environmental risk to neurodegenerative diseases in humans. However, the knowledge of its toxicity to marine organisms requires attention. In the present study, embryos and sperm of the sea urchin, Lytechinus pictus, were used to assess the toxicity of BMAA. Effects of BMAA on fertilization and development of sea urchin embryos were measured, and its impacts on efflux transport of sea urchin blastula were also assayed. Results demonstrated that the fertilization and development of embryos were significantly inhibited by high concentrations of BMAA above 300 μg L-1. The EC50 values indicated by active swimming larvae and total larvae numbers at 96 HPF (hours post fertilization) were 165 μg L-1 (1.4 μmol L-1) and 329 μg L-1 (2.8 μmol L-1), respectively. Additionally, sperm exposed to BMAA for 10 min significantly reduced the fertilization ratio of sea urchin eggs. However, the ABC transport activity on the cytomembrane of sea urchin blastula was not inhibited by the presence of BMAA at 50 μg L-1, even up to 500 μg L-1. Abnormal division and developmental malformations occurred at different developmental stages for sea urchin embryos exposed to BMAA at 500 μg L-1. The inhibitory effects of BMAA on sea urchin embryos were reported at the first time in this study, for which the toxicological mechanisms will be explored in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aifeng Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ocean University of China, Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266100, China.
| | - Jose Espinoza
- Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0202, USA
| | - Amro Hamdoun
- Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0202, USA
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Seleem AA. Induction of hyperpigmentation and heat shock protein 70 response to the toxicity of methomyl insecticide during the organ development of the Arabian toad, Bufo arabicus (Heyden,1827). J Histotechnol 2019; 42:104-115. [PMID: 31492089 DOI: 10.1080/01478885.2019.1619653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Methomyl (MET) is a carbamate insecticide which is used as a substitute for organophosphorus compounds to protect crops against insects. The present study aims to evaluate the cytoprotection response of pigment cells and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) after exposure to MET during the tadpole developmental stages of the Arabian toad, Bufo arabicus. Three developmental larval stages of the toad were selected and divided into two groups; Control and MET-exposed (MET-EX) tadpoles (10ppm). MET-EX tadpoles showed an increased number of pigment cells in the liver, kidney, anterior eye chamber, and skin tissues as compared to the control. The glycogen content in the developing liver and muscles (myotomes) of MET-EX tadpoles was decreased as compared to the control. In the MET-EX tadpoles, immunohistochemical staining showed an increase of HSP70 expression in the liver hepatocytes, the nucleated red blood cells (nRBC) in kidney glomeruli, the iridocorneal angle of anterior eye chamber, and the skin as compared to the control. The current study concluded that pigment cells and HSP70 represented a cytoprotecting response against MET insecticide during the organ development of B. arabicas tadpoles. Therefore, MET use should be regularly monitored in the environment to protect animals and human from exposure to this insecticide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Abdou Seleem
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Sohag University , Sohag , Egypt.,Biology Department, Faculty of Science and Arts, Al-Ula, Taibah University , Medina , Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Abdelmalek MR, Beheiry EE, El-Shinety RM, Farag AT, Tayel SM. Scanning electron microscopic study of the effect of chlorpyrifos on the developing neural tube in comparison with Arsenic in mouse embryo. ALEXANDRIA JOURNAL OF MEDICINE 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajme.2015.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Miriam R.R.F. Abdelmalek
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Eman Elazab Beheiry
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria, Egypt
| | | | - Amina Tolba Farag
- Department of Pesticide Chemistry and toxicology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Shawky Mahmoud Tayel
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria, Egypt
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Gambardella C, Nichino D, Iacometti C, Ferrando S, Falugi C, Faimali M. Long term exposure to low dose neurotoxic pesticides affects hatching, viability and cholinesterase activity of Artemia sp. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2018; 196:79-89. [PMID: 29358113 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2018.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The brine shrimp Artemia was used as a model organism to test toxicity of several neuroactive pesticides (chlorpyrifos (CLP), chlorpyrifos oxon (CLP ox), diazinon (DZN), carbaryl (CBR)) following exposure to far below than lethal doses. Cysts were exposed to the pesticides in order to test a scenario similar to actual coastal environment contamination, by analyzing different responses. Cysts were rehydrated in water containing the pesticides at concentrations ranging from 10-11 to 10-5 M, for 72, 96 and 192 h, respectively. For these exposure times, morpho-functional and biochemical parameters, such as hatching speed and viability were investigated in the larvae together with cholinesterase (ChE) activity quantification and histochemical localization. Finally, ChE inhibition was also compared with conventional selective ChE inhibitors. Results showed that CLP ox and CBR caused a significant dose-dependent decrease in hatching speed, followed by high percentages of larval death, while CLP and DZN were responsible for irregular hatching patterns. In addition, the pesticides mostly caused larval death some days post-hatching, whereas this effect was negligible for the specific ChE inhibitors, suggesting that part of pesticide toxicity may be due to molecules other than the primary target. ChE activity was observed in the protocerebrum lobes, linked to the development of pair eyes. Such activity was inhibited in larvae exposed to all pesticides. When compared to conventional selective inhibitors of ChE activities, this inhibition demonstrated that the selected pesticides mainly affect acetylcholinesterase and, to a lesser extent, pseudocholinesterases. In conclusion, the brine shrimp is a good model to test the environmental toxicity of long term exposure to cholinergic pesticides, since changes in hatching speed, viability and ChE activity were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniela Nichino
- DISTAV, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 16132, Italy
| | | | - Sara Ferrando
- DISTAV, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 16132, Italy
| | - Carla Falugi
- DISTAV, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 16132, Italy
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Legradi JB, Di Paolo C, Kraak MHS, van der Geest HG, Schymanski EL, Williams AJ, Dingemans MML, Massei R, Brack W, Cousin X, Begout ML, van der Oost R, Carion A, Suarez-Ulloa V, Silvestre F, Escher BI, Engwall M, Nilén G, Keiter SH, Pollet D, Waldmann P, Kienle C, Werner I, Haigis AC, Knapen D, Vergauwen L, Spehr M, Schulz W, Busch W, Leuthold D, Scholz S, vom Berg CM, Basu N, Murphy CA, Lampert A, Kuckelkorn J, Grummt T, Hollert H. An ecotoxicological view on neurotoxicity assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES EUROPE 2018; 30:46. [PMID: 30595996 PMCID: PMC6292971 DOI: 10.1186/s12302-018-0173-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The numbers of potential neurotoxicants in the environment are raising and pose a great risk for humans and the environment. Currently neurotoxicity assessment is mostly performed to predict and prevent harm to human populations. Despite all the efforts invested in the last years in developing novel in vitro or in silico test systems, in vivo tests with rodents are still the only accepted test for neurotoxicity risk assessment in Europe. Despite an increasing number of reports of species showing altered behaviour, neurotoxicity assessment for species in the environment is not required and therefore mostly not performed. Considering the increasing numbers of environmental contaminants with potential neurotoxic potential, eco-neurotoxicity should be also considered in risk assessment. In order to do so novel test systems are needed that can cope with species differences within ecosystems. In the field, online-biomonitoring systems using behavioural information could be used to detect neurotoxic effects and effect-directed analyses could be applied to identify the neurotoxicants causing the effect. Additionally, toxic pressure calculations in combination with mixture modelling could use environmental chemical monitoring data to predict adverse effects and prioritize pollutants for laboratory testing. Cheminformatics based on computational toxicological data from in vitro and in vivo studies could help to identify potential neurotoxicants. An array of in vitro assays covering different modes of action could be applied to screen compounds for neurotoxicity. The selection of in vitro assays could be guided by AOPs relevant for eco-neurotoxicity. In order to be able to perform risk assessment for eco-neurotoxicity, methods need to focus on the most sensitive species in an ecosystem. A test battery using species from different trophic levels might be the best approach. To implement eco-neurotoxicity assessment into European risk assessment, cheminformatics and in vitro screening tests could be used as first approach to identify eco-neurotoxic pollutants. In a second step, a small species test battery could be applied to assess the risks of ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. B. Legradi
- Institute for Environmental Research, Department of Ecosystem Analysis, ABBt–Aachen Biology and Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Environment and Health, VU University, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C. Di Paolo
- Institute for Environmental Research, Department of Ecosystem Analysis, ABBt–Aachen Biology and Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - M. H. S. Kraak
- FAME-Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94248, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - H. G. van der Geest
- FAME-Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94248, 1090 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - E. L. Schymanski
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, 6 Avenue du Swing, 4367 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - A. J. Williams
- National Center for Computational Toxicology, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 109 T.W. Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park, NC 27711 USA
| | - M. M. L. Dingemans
- KWR Watercycle Research Institute, Groningenhaven 7, 3433 PE Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
| | - R. Massei
- Department Effect-Directed Analysis, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, Leipzig, Germany
| | - W. Brack
- Department Effect-Directed Analysis, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, Leipzig, Germany
| | - X. Cousin
- Ifremer, UMR MARBEC, Laboratoire Adaptation et Adaptabilités des Animaux et des Systèmes, Route de Maguelone, 34250 Palavas-les-Flots, France
- INRA, UMR GABI, INRA, AgroParisTech, Domaine de Vilvert, Batiment 231, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - M.-L. Begout
- Ifremer, Laboratoire Ressources Halieutiques, Place Gaby Coll, 17137 L’Houmeau, France
| | - R. van der Oost
- Department of Technology, Research and Engineering, Waternet Institute for the Urban Water Cycle, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A. Carion
- Laboratory of Evolutionary and Adaptive Physiology, Institute of Life, Earth and Environment, University of Namur, 5000 Namur, Belgium
| | - V. Suarez-Ulloa
- Laboratory of Evolutionary and Adaptive Physiology, Institute of Life, Earth and Environment, University of Namur, 5000 Namur, Belgium
| | - F. Silvestre
- Laboratory of Evolutionary and Adaptive Physiology, Institute of Life, Earth and Environment, University of Namur, 5000 Namur, Belgium
| | - B. I. Escher
- Department of Cell Toxicology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Environmental Toxicology, Center for Applied Geosciences, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - M. Engwall
- MTM Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Fakultetsgatan 1, 70182 Örebro, Sweden
| | - G. Nilén
- MTM Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Fakultetsgatan 1, 70182 Örebro, Sweden
| | - S. H. Keiter
- MTM Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Fakultetsgatan 1, 70182 Örebro, Sweden
| | - D. Pollet
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Darmstadt, Stephanstrasse 7, 64295 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - P. Waldmann
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Darmstadt, Stephanstrasse 7, 64295 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - C. Kienle
- Swiss Centre for Applied Ecotoxicology Eawag-EPFL, Überlandstrasse 133, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - I. Werner
- Swiss Centre for Applied Ecotoxicology Eawag-EPFL, Überlandstrasse 133, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - A.-C. Haigis
- Institute for Environmental Research, Department of Ecosystem Analysis, ABBt–Aachen Biology and Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - D. Knapen
- Zebrafishlab, Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - L. Vergauwen
- Zebrafishlab, Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - M. Spehr
- Institute for Biology II, Department of Chemosensation, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - W. Schulz
- Zweckverband Landeswasserversorgung, Langenau, Germany
| | - W. Busch
- Department of Bioanalytical Ecotoxicology, UFZ–Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | - D. Leuthold
- Department of Bioanalytical Ecotoxicology, UFZ–Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | - S. Scholz
- Department of Bioanalytical Ecotoxicology, UFZ–Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Leipzig, Germany
| | - C. M. vom Berg
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Eawag, Dübendorf, 8600 Switzerland
| | - N. Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - C. A. Murphy
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA
| | - A. Lampert
- Institute of Physiology (Neurophysiology), Aachen, Germany
| | - J. Kuckelkorn
- Section Toxicology of Drinking Water and Swimming Pool Water, Federal Environment Agency (UBA), Heinrich-Heine-Str. 12, 08645 Bad Elster, Germany
| | - T. Grummt
- Section Toxicology of Drinking Water and Swimming Pool Water, Federal Environment Agency (UBA), Heinrich-Heine-Str. 12, 08645 Bad Elster, Germany
| | - H. Hollert
- Institute for Environmental Research, Department of Ecosystem Analysis, ABBt–Aachen Biology and Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany
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12
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Zhang X, Li S, Wang C, Tian H, Wang W, Ru S. Effects of monocrotophos pesticide on cholinergic and dopaminergic neurotransmitter systems during early development in the sea urchin Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2017; 328:46-53. [PMID: 28479505 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2017.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
During early development in sea urchins, classical neurotransmitters, including acetylcholine (ACh), dopamine (DA), and serotonin (5-HT), play important roles in the regulation of morphogenesis and swimming behavior. However, the underlying mechanisms of how organophosphate pesticides cause developmental neurotoxicity by interfering with different neurotransmitter systems are unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of 0.01, 0.10, and 1.00mg/L monocrotophos (MCP) pesticide on the activity of acetyltransferase (ChAT), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), monoamine oxidase, the concentration of DA, dopamine transporter, and the transcription activity of DA receptor D1 and tyrosine hydroxylase, during critical periods in cholinergic and dopaminergic nervous system development in sea urchin (Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus) embryos and larvae. At the blastula stages, MCP disrupted DA metabolism but not 5-HT metabolism, resulting in abnormal development. High ChAT and AChE activity were observed at the gastrulation-completed stage and the two-armed pluteus stage, respectively, MCP inhibited ChAT activity and AChE activity/distribution and resulted in developmental defects of the plutei. From the gastrula stage to the two-armed pluteus stage, we found ubiquitous disrupting effects of MCP on ACh, DA, and 5-HT metabolism, particularly at critical periods during the development of these neurotransmitter systems. Therefore, we propose that this disruption is one of the main mechanisms of MCP-related developmental neurotoxicity, which would contribute better understanding insight into the mechanism of MCP pesticide's toxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaona Zhang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Shuman Li
- Nansi Lake Water Quality Monitoring Center of Shandong Province, Jining 272100, China
| | - Cuicui Wang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Hua Tian
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Wei Wang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Shaoguo Ru
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China.
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13
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Tualla IPB, Bitacura JG. Effects of Cadmium and Zinc on the Gamete Viability, Fertilization, and Embryonic Development of Tripneustes gratilla (Linnaeus). SCIENTIFICA 2016; 2016:8175213. [PMID: 27200213 PMCID: PMC4855005 DOI: 10.1155/2016/8175213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Revised: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2016] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metals are frequently reported for their mutagenic and teratogenic effects on benthic organisms. Thus, this study aimed to determine the toxicity of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) in the gametes of T. gratilla and to compare its fertilization and embryonic development under the highest nongametotoxic concentrations of these heavy metals. Gamete viability of T. gratilla under CdCl2 and ZnSO4 treatments was assayed through resazurin reduction test (RRT) and was confirmed through gamete morphology assay. ZnSO4 was more toxic to T. gratilla gametes than CdCl2 and egg cells were more sensitive to both than the sperm cells. Higher concentrations of CdCl2 and ZnSO4 induced gamete apoptosis and necrosis while highest nongametotoxic concentrations were determined at 1 × 10(-3) M and 1 × 10(-4) M, respectively, and were used in an in vitro fertilization and embryonic development experiment. ZnSO4 treatment inhibited fertilization more than CdCl2 and yielded more deformed embryos, while both induced abnormalities and hindered further embryonic development. This study gives the first report on the specific concentrations of Cd and Zn that are toxic to T. gratilla gametes and has confirmed the teratogenic effects of these heavy metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Patrick B. Tualla
- Department of Biological Sciences, Visayas State University, Visca, Baybay City, 6521-A Leyte, Philippines
- *Ivan Patrick B. Tualla: and
| | - Jayzon G. Bitacura
- Department of Biological Sciences, Visayas State University, Visca, Baybay City, 6521-A Leyte, Philippines
- *Jayzon G. Bitacura:
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14
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de Araujo Leite JC, de Castro TMX, Barbosa-Filho JM, de Siqueira-Junior JP, Marques-Santos LF. Photoprotective effect of coumarin and 3-hydroxycoumarin in sea urchin gametes and embryonic cells. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2015; 146:44-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2015.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2014] [Revised: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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15
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Gambardella C, Ferrando S, Morgana S, Gallus L, Ramoino P, Ravera S, Bramini M, Diaspro A, Faimali M, Falugi C. Exposure of Paracentrotus lividus male gametes to engineered nanoparticles affects skeletal bio-mineralization processes and larval plasticity. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2015; 158:181-191. [PMID: 25481784 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2014.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Revised: 11/14/2014] [Accepted: 11/18/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms underlying nanoparticle (NP)-induced embryotoxicity in aquatic organisms. We previously demonstrated that exposure of male gametes to NPs causes non-dose-dependent skeletal damage in sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus) larvae. In the present study, the molecular mechanisms responsible for these anomalies in sea urchin development from male gametes exposed to cobalt (Co), titanium dioxide (TiO2) and silver (Ag) NPs were investigated by histochemical, immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses. P. lividus sperm were exposed to different NP concentrations (from 0.0001 to 1 mg/L). The distribution of molecules related to skeletogenic cell identification, including ID5 immunoreactivity (IR), wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) affinity and fibronectin (FN) IR, were investigated by confocal laser scanning microscopy at the gastrula (24 h) and pluteus (72 h) stages. Our results identified a spatial correspondence among PMCs, ID5 IR and WGA affinity sites. The altered FN pattern suggests that it is responsible for the altered skeletogenic cell migration, while the Golgi apparatus of the skeletogenic cells, denoted by their WGA affinity, shows different aspects according to the degree of anomalies caused by NP concentrations. The ID5 IR, a specific marker of skeletogenic cells in sea urchin embryos (in particular of the msp130 protein responsible for Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) mineralization), localized in the cellular strands prefiguring the skeletal rods in the gastrula stage and, in the pluteus stage, was visible according to the degree of mineralization of the skeleton. In conclusion, the present study suggests that the investigated NPs suspended in seawater interfere with the bio-mineralization processes in marine organisms, and the results of this study offer a new series of specific endpoints for the mechanistic understanding of NP toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Gambardella
- Institute of Marine Science (ISMAR), National Council of Researches (CNR), Via De Marini 6, 16149 Genova, Italy.
| | - Sara Ferrando
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 5, 16136 Genova, Italy
| | - Silvia Morgana
- Institute of Marine Science (ISMAR), National Council of Researches (CNR), Via De Marini 6, 16149 Genova, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Gallus
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 5, 16136 Genova, Italy
| | - Paola Ramoino
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 5, 16136 Genova, Italy
| | - Silvia Ravera
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), Biochemistry Lab., University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 5, 16136 Genova, Italy
| | - Mattia Bramini
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Alberto Diaspro
- Department of Nanophysics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Marco Faimali
- Institute of Marine Science (ISMAR), National Council of Researches (CNR), Via De Marini 6, 16149 Genova, Italy
| | - Carla Falugi
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences (DISVA), Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
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Buznikov GA, Slotkin TA, Lauder JM. Sea urchin embryos and larvae as biosensors for neurotoxicants. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; Chapter 1:Unit1.6. [PMID: 23045086 DOI: 10.1002/0471140856.tx0106s16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Sea urchin embryos and larvae provide an inexpensive high-throughput system for determining developmental actions of neuropharmacologic agents or environmental neurotoxins in both applied and basic biologic contexts. The use of this system for the testing of chlorpyrifos, 1-nicotine, lipophilic amides of choline, and ritanserin is described in detail.
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17
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Xu L, Tian H, Wang W, Ru S. Effects of monocrotophos pesticide on serotonin metabolism during early development in the sea urchin, Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2012; 34:537-547. [PMID: 22824501 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2012.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2011] [Revised: 06/13/2012] [Accepted: 06/23/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Organophosphate pesticides can interfere with the serotonergic nervous system and potentially lead to malformations and behavioral abnormalities during early development in sea urchin. To investigate the mechanism by which monocrotophos (MCP) pesticide disrupts the serotonergic nervous system, we evaluated its effects on serotonin metabolism. Fertilized embryos of sea urchin were incubated with 40% MCP pesticide at nominal concentrations of 0.01, 0.10 and 1.00mg/L, and the effects on tryptophan hydroxylase of Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus (HpTPH), serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT), monoamine oxidase (MAO), and serotonin levels were investigated. The results indicated that MCP pesticide disturbed the baseline pattern of HpTPH and SERT mRNA expression and MAO activity during early development in H. pulcherrimus. When serotonin should be quickly metabolized at 36-hpf stage, HpTPH and SERT expression was decreased and MAO activity was induced by MCP pesticide, leading to the impairment of serotonergic synaptic activity. But when serotonin should be metabolized at low levels during the other six stages, MCP pesticide induced HpTPH and SERT expression, resulting in the improvement of serotonergic synaptic activity. We concluded that this metabolic disturbance is one of the major mechanisms by which MCP pesticides affect the serotonergic nervous system and potentially contribute to various developmental abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xu
- Marine Life Science College, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong province, China
| | - Hua Tian
- Marine Life Science College, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong province, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Marine Life Science College, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong province, China
| | - Shaoguo Ru
- Marine Life Science College, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong province, China.
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18
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Falugi C, Aluigi MG. Early appearance and possible functions of non-neuromuscular cholinesterase activities. Front Mol Neurosci 2012; 5:54. [PMID: 22529777 PMCID: PMC3330712 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2012.00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2012] [Accepted: 04/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The biological function of the cholinesterase (ChE) enzymes has been studied since the beginning of the twentieth century. Acetylcholinesterase plays a key role in the modulation of neuromuscular impulse transmission in vertebrates, while in invertebrates pseudo cholinesterases are preeminently represented. During the last 40 years, awareness of the role of ChEs role in regulating non-neuromuscular cell-to-cell interactions has been increasing such as the ones occurring during gamete interaction and embryonic development. Moreover, ChE activities are responsible for other relevant biological events, including regulation of the balance between cell proliferation and cell death, as well as the modulation of cell adhesion and cell migration. Understanding the mechanisms of the regulation of these events can help us foresee the possible impact of neurotoxic substances on the environmental and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Falugi
- Dipartimento per lo studio del Territorio e delle sue Risorse, Laboratory of Experimental Embryology, Università di Genova Genova, Italy
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Buono S, Manzo S, Maria G, Sansone G. Toxic effects of pentachlorophenol, azinphos-methyl and chlorpyrifos on the development of Paracentrotus lividus embryos. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2012; 21:688-97. [PMID: 22101977 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-011-0827-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/09/2011] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The application of many current-use pesticides has increased after the disuse of persistent, bioaccumulative or toxic ones as DDT or chlordane. Many of the used pesticides are considered less dangerous towards the environment for their physico-chemical properties. This study investigated the toxic effects of three current-use pesticides, pentachlorophenol (PCP), azinphos-methyl (AZM), and chlorpyrifos, on Mediterranean sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus early development and offspring quality. The experimental results showed that the most toxic pesticides were PCP and AZM at EC50 level. Nevertheless at low concentration PCP resulted the less toxic compound and showed EC1 value more protective than NOEC. PCP at high concentration seemed to modify cytoskeleton assembly, while at low concentrations, it could alter the deposition of the larval skeleton. OPs at low concentrations until 300 μg/l showed a similar toxicological behaviour with a trend corresponding to the pesticide concentrations. At high concentration (500 μg/l) the effect mainly observed was the embryos pre-larval arrest. This investigation highlighted the relevance to evaluate, in coastal seawaters, the levels of the used pesticides to understand the real impact on benthic populations mainly in sites characterized by intensive agriculture or floriculture activities, such as the coastal areas of the Mediterranean Sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Buono
- CRIAcq Università degli Studi di Napoli-Federico II, Via Università, 100, 80055 Portici (NA), Italy
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20
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Flaskos J. The developmental neurotoxicity of organophosphorus insecticides: A direct role for the oxon metabolites. Toxicol Lett 2012; 209:86-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2011.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2011] [Revised: 11/25/2011] [Accepted: 11/26/2011] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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21
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Fairbairn EA, Keller AA, Mädler L, Zhou D, Pokhrel S, Cherr GN. Metal oxide nanomaterials in seawater: linking physicochemical characteristics with biological response in sea urchin development. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2011; 192:1565-1571. [PMID: 21775060 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2011.06.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2011] [Revised: 05/27/2011] [Accepted: 06/28/2011] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The fate and behavior of nanomaterials (NMs) in environmental media has important consequences for toxicity. The majority of aquatic research to date has focused on NM behavior in freshwater systems. However, pH and salinity differences of seawater affect dissolution and aggregation of NMs. In this study, physical characteristics of metal oxide NMs in seawater were linked with their toxicity to developing sea urchins. The metal oxide NMs TiO(2) and CeO(2) up to 10mg/L were not toxic to the embryos of the white sea urchin (Lytechinus pictus). In contrast, ZnO NM was highly toxic to these embryos (EC(50) = 99.5 μg/L). The toxicity of ZnO NM was not significantly different from bulk ZnO or soluble Zn(2+) (from ZnSO(4) · 7H(2)O), suggesting that the toxicity of ZnO NM can be attributed to soluble Zn(2+). Furthermore, solubility data indicate that at the concentrations used in our sea urchin embryo experiments, ZnO NM was rapidly and completely solubilized in seawater. The present study also demonstrated that Fe-doped NMs were less soluble in seawater compared to pure ZnO NMs, but there was no concomitant reduction in toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise A Fairbairn
- Bodega Marine Laboratory, University of California Davis, PO Box 247, Bodega Bay, CA 94923, USA
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22
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Karczmar AG. Cholinesterases (ChEs) and the cholinergic system in ontogenesis and phylogenesis, and non-classical roles of cholinesterases—A review. Chem Biol Interact 2010; 187:34-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2010.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2009] [Revised: 02/16/2010] [Accepted: 03/03/2010] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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23
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Aluigi MG, Falugi C, Mugno MG, Privitera D, Chiantore M. Dose-dependent effects of chlorpyriphos, an organophosphate pesticide, on metamorphosis of the sea urchin, Paracentrotus lividus. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2010; 19:520-529. [PMID: 19898934 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-009-0433-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/21/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The effect of exposures to the insecticide chlorpyrifos on the larval stages of Paracentrotus lividus (Echinodermata, Euechinoidea) up to metamorphosis was investigated with the aim to identify novel risk biomarkers and a new promising model for toxicity tests. The planktonic sea urchin larvae have the ability to undergo a variable exploratory period, up to the choice of a suitable substrate for adult benthonic life. The juvenile bud (called rudiment) is built inside the larval body that, on environmental cues represented by a variety of signal molecules, is reabsorbed by apoptosis and releases the juvenile on the substrate. In this dialogue between larvae and environment, contaminants interfere with the signals reception, and may alter in dose-dependent way the correct regulation of environment-larva-rudiment interaction. Such interaction is shown by larval plasticity, i.e. the ability of the larva to change body proportions according to the environmental conditions. When exposed to low doses of chlorpyriphos (10(-7) to 10(-10) M) since 2-days after fertilization, the larvae showed altered size and shape, but all reached the metamorphosis at the same time as controls, and in the same percentage. Exposures to high concentrations such as 10(-4) to 10(-6) M since 2-days after fertilization did not allow larval growth and differentiation. Exposures at later stages caused reabsorption of larval structures within a few hours and precocious release of the immature rudiments, followed by death of the juveniles. Although the mechanism of chlorpyriphos toxicity in sea urchin larvae is still rather unclear, the measurable stress biomarkers can constitute the basis for new toxicity tests.
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24
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Falugi C, Lammerding-Koppel M, Aluigi MG. Sea urchin development: an alternative model for mechanistic understanding of neurodevelopment and neurotoxicity. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 84:188-203. [PMID: 18773460 DOI: 10.1002/bdrc.20132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Echinoderm early developmental stages might supply a good tool for toxicity testing in different fields, ranging from environment to food contamination, and in full respect of the 3Rs objectives (reduction, refinement, and replacement of animal experiments) that will eventually lead to the replacement of high vertebrate animal testing in toxicology. Sea urchin is one of the few organismic models considered by the European Agency for Alternative models. Actually, sea urchin embryonic development has been studied for over a century, and the complex nets of intercellular communications leading to the different events are well known, as well the possibility for environmental molecules and their residuals to interfere with such communications, causing developmental anomalies. In particular, the main goal of toxicologists since several years has been to establish a correlation between the cell-to-cell communications occurring during different developmental events and the signals occurring during neurogenesis, with the aim to pursue a mechanistic understanding of these processes and their deviations caused by stressors from different sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Falugi
- Department of Biology, University of Genova, Genova, Italy.
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25
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Buznikov GA, Nikitina LA, Seidler FJ, Slotkin TA, Bezuglov VV, Milosević I, Lazarević L, Rogac L, Ruzdijić S, Rakić LM. Amyloid precursor protein 96-110 and beta-amyloid 1-42 elicit developmental anomalies in sea urchin embryos and larvae that are alleviated by neurotransmitter analogs for acetylcholine, serotonin and cannabinoids. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2008; 30:503-9. [PMID: 18565728 PMCID: PMC2579926 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2008.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2008] [Revised: 04/28/2008] [Accepted: 05/08/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Amyloid precursor protein (APP) is overexpressed in the developing brain and portions of its extracellular domain, especially amino acid residues 96-110, play an important role in neurite outgrowth and neural cell differentiation. In the current study, we evaluated the developmental abnormalities caused by administration of exogenous APP(96-110) in sea urchin embryos and larvae, which, like the developing mammalian brain, utilize acetylcholine and other neurotransmitters as morphogens; effects were compared to those of beta-amyloid 1-42 (Abeta42), the neurotoxic APP fragment contained within neurodegenerative plaques in Alzheimer's Disease. Although both peptides elicited dysmorphogenesis, Abeta42 was far more potent; in addition, whereas Abeta42 produced abnormalities at developmental stages ranging from early cleavage divisions to the late pluteus, APP(96-110) effects were restricted to the intermediate, mid-blastula stage. For both agents, anomalies were prevented or reduced by addition of lipid-permeable analogs of acetylcholine, serotonin or cannabinoids; physostigmine, a carbamate-derived cholinesterase inhibitor, was also effective. In contrast, agents that act on NMDA receptors (memantine) or alpha-adrenergic receptors (nicergoline), and that are therapeutic in Alzheimer's Disease, were themselves embryotoxic, as was tacrine, a cholinesterase inhibitor from a different chemical class than physostigmine. Protection was also provided by agents acting downstream from receptor-mediated events: increasing cyclic AMP with caffeine or isobutylmethylxanthine, or administering the antioxidant, a-tocopherol, were all partially effective. Our findings reinforce a role for APP in development and point to specific interactions with neurotransmitter systems that act as morphogens in developing sea urchins as well as in the mammalian brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennady A Buznikov
- Department of Pharmacology & Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710-3813, United States
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Slotkin TA, Seidler FJ. Developmental neurotoxicants target neurodifferentiation into the serotonin phenotype: Chlorpyrifos, diazinon, dieldrin and divalent nickel. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2008; 233:211-9. [PMID: 18835401 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2008.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2008] [Revised: 08/26/2008] [Accepted: 08/27/2008] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Developmental exposure to organophosphates (OP) produces long-term changes in serotonin (5HT) synaptic function and associated behaviors, but there are disparities among the different OPs. We contrasted effects of chlorpyrifos and diazinon, as well as non-OP neurotoxicants (dieldrin, Ni(2+)) using undifferentiated and differentiating PC12 cells, a well-established neurodevelopmental model. Agents were introduced at 30 microM for 24 or 72 h, treatments devoid of cytotoxicity, and we evaluated the mRNAs encoding the proteins for 5HT biosynthesis, storage and degradation, as well as 5HT receptors. Chlorpyrifos and diazinon both induced tryptophan hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme for 5HT biosynthesis, but chlorpyrifos had a greater effect, and both agents suppressed expression of 5HT transporter genes, effects that would tend to augment extracellular 5HT. However, whereas chlorpyrifos enhanced the expression of most 5HT receptor subtypes, diazinon evoked overall suppression. Dieldrin evoked even stronger induction of tryptophan hydroxylase, and displayed a pattern of receptor effects similar to that of diazinon, even though they come from different pesticide classes. In contrast, Ni(2+) had completely distinct actions, suppressing tryptophan hydroxylase and enhancing the vesicular monoamine transporter, while also reducing 5HT receptor gene expression, effects that would tend to lower net 5HT function. Our findings provide some of the first evidence connecting the direct, initial mechanisms of developmental neurotoxicant action on specific transmitter pathways with their long-term effects on synaptic function and behavior, while also providing support for in vitro test systems as tools for establishing mechanisms and outcomes of related and unrelated neurotoxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore A Slotkin
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology Box 3813, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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Morgan AM, Abd El-Aty AM. Reproductive Toxicity Evaluation of Pestban Insecticide Exposure in Male and Female Rats. Toxicol Res 2008; 24:137-150. [PMID: 32038788 PMCID: PMC7006254 DOI: 10.5487/tr.2008.24.2.137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2008] [Revised: 05/02/2008] [Accepted: 05/02/2008] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexually mature male and female rats were orally intubated with the organophosphorus insecticide, Pestban at a daily dosage of 7.45 or 3.72 mg/kg bwt, equivalent to 1/20 and 1/40 LD50, respectively. Male rats were exposed for 70 days, while the female rats were exposed for 14 days, premating, during mating and throughout the whole length of gestation and lactation periods till weaning. The results showed depressed acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the brain of parents, fetuses and their placentae in a dose-dependent manner. The fertility was significantly reduced with increasing the dose in both treated groups, with more pronounced suppressive effects in the male treated group. The number of implantation sites and viable fetuses were significantly reduced in pregnant females of both treated groups. However, the number of resorptions, dead fetuses, and pre-and postimplantation losses were significantly increased. The incidence of resorptions was more pronounced in treated female compared to male group and was dose dependant. The behavioral responses as well as fetal survival and viability indices were altered in both treated groups during the lactation period. The incidence of these effects was more pronounced in the treated female group and occurred in a dose-related manner. The recorded morphological, visceral, and skeletal anomalies were significantly increased with increasing the dose in fetuses of both treated groups, with more pronounced effects on fetuses of treated females. In conclusion, the exposure of adult male and female rats to Pestban would cause adverse effects on fertility and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf M. Morgan
- Department of Toxicology and Forensic Medicine; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, 12211 Giza, Egypt
| | - A. M. Abd El-Aty
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 1 Hwayang-dong, Kwangjin-gu, Seoul, 143-701 Korea
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, 12211 Giza, Egypt
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Jennings NA, Pezzementi L, Lawrence AL, Watts SA. Acetylcholinesterase in the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus: characterization and developmental expression in larvae. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2008; 149:401-9. [PMID: 18166494 PMCID: PMC2292118 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2007.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2007] [Revised: 10/31/2007] [Accepted: 10/31/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the echinoid Lytechinus variegatus has been characterized. Kinetic parameters V(max), K(m), K(ss), and b were 2594+/-1048 nmol ATCh hydrolyzed/min/mg tissue wet weight, 185+/-11 microM, 308+/-100 mM, and 0.2, respectively for the substrate ATCh and 17.8+/-6.87 nmol BTCh hydrolyzed/min/mg tissue wet weight, 654+/-424 microM, 36+/-31 mM, and 0.6, respectively for BTCh. Pharmacologic analyses were performed with four inhibitors of cholinesterases, physostigmine, BW284c51, ethopropazine, and iso-OMPA, and yielded IC(50) values of 106+/-4 nM, 718+/-118 nM, 2.57+/-0.6 mM, and >0.0300 M, respectively. Both kinetic and pharmacologic results confirmed the existence of AChE in larval L. variegatus. Dimeric and tetrameric globular forms (determined by velocity sedimentation on sucrose gradients) were present in L. variegatus larvae. Activity of AChE increased significantly as larvae progressed in development from embryos to eight-arm larvae. Acetylcholinesterase activity of F1 larvae derived from sea urchins collected from wild populations and of F1 larvae derived from sea urchins cultured in the laboratory and fed two different diets suggest that the nutritional and/or environmental history of the adult sea urchin affect the developmental progression of AChE activity in the F1 offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie A Jennings
- Department of Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1300 University Blvd., Birmingham, Alabama 35294-1170, USA.
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Aluigi MG, Angelini C, Corte G, Falugi C. The sea urchin, Paracentrotus lividus, embryo as a "bioethical" model for neurodevelopmental toxicity testing: effects of diazinon on the intracellular distribution of OTX2-like proteins. Cell Biol Toxicol 2008; 24:587-601. [PMID: 18224450 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-008-9061-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2007] [Accepted: 01/07/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Presently, a large effort is being made worldwide to increase the sustainability of industrial development, while preserving not only the quality of the environment but also that of animal and human life. In this work, sea urchin early developmental stages were used as a model to test the effects of the organophosphate pesticide (diazinon) on the regulation of gene expression by immunohistochemical localization of the human regulatory protein against the human OTX2. Egg exposure to diazinon did not affect fertilization; however, at concentrations 10(-5)-10(-6) M, it did cause developmental anomalies, among which was the dose-dependent alteration of the intracellular distribution of a regulatory protein that is immunologically related to the human OTX2. The severe anomalies and developmental delay observed after treatment at 10(-5) M concentration are indicators of systemic toxicity, while the results after treatment at 10(-6) M suggest a specific action of the neurotoxic compound. In this second case, exposure to diazinon caused partial delivery of the protein into the nuclei, a defective translocation that particularly affected the blastula and gastrula stages. Therefore, the possibility that neurotoxic agents such as organophosphates may damage embryonic development is taken into account. Specifically, the compounds are known to alter cytoplasmic dynamics, which play a crucial role in regulating the distribution of intracellular structures and molecules, as well as transcription factors. Speculatively, basing our assumptions on Fura2 experiments, we submit the hypothesis that this effect may be due to altered calcium dynamics, which in turn alter cytoskeleton dynamics: the asters, in fact, appear strongly positive to the OTX2 immunoreaction, in both control and exposed samples. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments seem to supply evidence to the hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Aluigi
- Dipartimento di Biologia Sperimentale, Ambientale ed Applicata, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
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Buznikov GA, Nikitina LA, Rakić LM, Milosević I, Bezuglov VV, Lauder JM, Slotkin TA. The sea urchin embryo, an invertebrate model for mammalian developmental neurotoxicity, reveals multiple neurotransmitter mechanisms for effects of chlorpyrifos: therapeutic interventions and a comparison with the monoamine depleter, reserpine. Brain Res Bull 2007; 74:221-31. [PMID: 17720543 PMCID: PMC2042487 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2007.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2007] [Revised: 06/12/2007] [Accepted: 06/12/2007] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Lower organisms show promise for the screening of neurotoxicants that might target mammalian brain development. Sea urchins use neurotransmitters as embryonic growth regulatory signals, so that adverse effects on neural substrates for mammalian brain development can be studied in this simple organism. We compared the effects of the organophosphate insecticide, chlorpyrifos in sea urchin embryos with those of the monoamine depleter, reserpine, so as to investigate multiple neurotransmitter mechanisms involved in developmental toxicity and to evaluate different therapeutic interventions corresponding to each neurotransmitter system. Whereas reserpine interfered with all stages of embryonic development, the effects of chlorpyrifos did not emerge until the mid-blastula stage. After that point, the effects of the two agents were similar. Treatment with membrane permeable analogs of the monoamine neurotransmitters, serotonin and dopamine, prevented the adverse effects of either chlorpyrifos or reserpine, despite the fact that chlorpyrifos works simultaneously through actions on acetylcholine, monoamines and other neurotransmitter pathways. This suggests that different neurotransmitters, converging on the same downstream signaling events, could work together or in parallel to offset the developmental disruption caused by exposure to disparate agents. We tested this hypothesis by evaluating membrane permeable analogs of acetylcholine and cannabinoids, both of which proved effective against chlorpyrifos- or reserpine-induced teratogenesis. Invertebrate test systems can provide both a screening procedure for mammalian neuroteratogenesis and may uncover novel mechanisms underlying developmental vulnerability as well as possible therapeutic approaches to prevent teratogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennady A Buznikov
- N.K. Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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Thompson B, Adelsbach T, Brown C, Hunt J, Kuwabara J, Neale J, Ohlendorf H, Schwarzbach S, Spies R, Taberski K. Biological effects of anthropogenic contaminants in the San Francisco Estuary. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2007; 105:156-74. [PMID: 17166494 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2006.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2005] [Revised: 10/21/2006] [Accepted: 10/23/2006] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of many anthropogenic contaminants in the San Francisco Estuary exist at levels that have been associated with biological effects elsewhere, so there is a potential for them to cause biological effects in the Estuary. The purpose of this paper is to summarize information about biological effects on the Estuary's plankton, benthos, fish, birds, and mammals, gathered since the early 1990s, focusing on key accomplishments. These studies have been conducted at all levels of biological organization (sub-cellular through communities), but have included only a small fraction of the organisms and contaminants of concern in the region. The studies summarized provide a body of evidence that some contaminants are causing biological impacts in some biological resources in the Estuary. However, no general patterns of effects were apparent in space and time, and no single contaminant was consistently related to effects among the biota considered. These conclusions reflect the difficulty in demonstrating biological effects due specifically to contamination because there is a wide range of sensitivity to contaminants among the Estuary's many organisms. Additionally, the spatial and temporal distribution of contamination in the Estuary is highly variable, and levels of contamination covary with other environmental factors, such as freshwater inflow or sediment-type. Federal and State regulatory agencies desire to develop biological criteria to protect the Estuary's biological resources. Future studies of biological effects in San Francisco Estuary should focus on the development of meaningful indicators of biological effects, and on key organism and contaminants of concern in long-term, multifaceted studies that include laboratory and field experiments to determine cause and effect to adequately inform management and regulatory decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce Thompson
- San Francisco Estuary Institute, 7770 Pardee Lane, 2nd Floor, Oakland, CA, USA.
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Buznikov GA, Nikitina LA, Bezuglov VV, Milosević I, Lazarević L, Rogac L, Ruzdijić S, Slotkin TA, Rakić LM. Sea urchin embryonic development provides a model for evaluating therapies against beta-amyloid toxicity. Brain Res Bull 2007; 75:94-100. [PMID: 18158101 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2007.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2007] [Revised: 07/25/2007] [Accepted: 07/25/2007] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Accumulation of beta-amyloid protein is an Alzheimer's disease hallmark but also may be mechanistically involved in neurodegeneration. One of its cleavage peptides, Abeta42, has been used to evaluate the mechanisms underlying amyloid-induced cytotoxicity and targeting of acetylcholine systems. We studied Sphaerechinus granularis sea urchin embryos which utilize acetylcholine and other neurotransmitters as morphogens. At a threshold concentration of 0.1 microM Abeta42, there was damage to the larval skeleton, accumulation of ectodermal cells in the blastocoele and underdevelopment of larval arms. Raising the Abeta42 concentration to 0.2-0.4 microM produced anomalies depending on the stage at which Abeta42 was introduced: at the first cleavage divisions, abnormalities appeared within 1-2 cell cycles; at the mid-blastula stage, the peak period of sensitivity to Abeta42, gastrulation was blocked; at later stages, there was progressive damage to the larval skeleton, digestive tract and larval spicules, as well as regression of larval arms. Each of these anomalies could be offset by the addition of lipid-permeable analogs of acetylcholine (arachidonoyl dimethylaminoethanol), serotonin (arachidonoyl serotonin) and cannabinoids (arachidonoyl vanillylamine), with the greatest activity exhibited by the acetylcholine analog. These results indicate that sea urchin embryos provide a model suitable to characterize the mechanisms underlying the cytotoxicity of Abeta42, as well as providing a system that enables the rapid screening of potential therapeutic interventions. The protection provided by neurotransmitter analogs, especially that for acetylcholine, points to unsuspected advantages of existing therapies that enhance cholinergic function, as well as indicating novel approaches that may prove protective in Alzheimer's disease.
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Brimijoin S. Can cholinesterase inhibitors affect neural development? ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2005; 19:429-432. [PMID: 21783508 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2004.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence supports the view that acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) can influence the proliferation and differentiation of nerve cells. AChE in particular has been found to promote neurite outgrowth in a variety of model systems, possibly by serving as an adhesion molecule. Thus one might suspect that cholinesterase inhibitors would disturb neuronal development, with long-term implications for structure and function in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The actual picture is more complex because AChE's effects on neurite outgrowth may reflect protein-protein interactions that are not directly related to catalytic function but are nonetheless influenced by ligands with special structural features. The putative structural interactions have not yet been rigorously defined, but they are likely to involve enzyme regions at or near the peripheral anionic site. In addition to such effects, some organophosphorus anticholinesterases have been reported to act by still other mechanisms to depress macromolecule synthesis and cell survival in the developing brain. Taken together, this emerging information highlights the potential importance of anticholinesterase agents in developmental neurotoxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Brimijoin
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street, S.W., Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Bellas J, Beiras R, Mariño-Balsa JC, Fernández N. Toxicity of organic compounds to marine invertebrate embryos and larvae: a comparison between the sea urchin embryogenesis bioassay and alternative test species. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2005; 14:337-53. [PMID: 15943109 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-004-6370-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the toxic effects of the insecticides lindane and chlorpyrifos, the herbicide diuron, the organometallic antifoulant tributyltin (TBT), and the surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) on the early life stages of Paracentrotus lividus (Echinodermata, Euechinoidea), Ciona intestinalis (Chordata, Ascidiacea), Maja squinado and Palaemon serratus (Arthropoda, Crustacea) in laboratory acute toxicity tests. The assays studied embryogenesis success from fertilized egg to normal larvae in P. lividus (48 h incubation at 20 degrees C) and C. intestinalis (24 h incubation at 20 degrees C), and larval mortality at 24 and 48 h in M. squinado and P. serratus. For P. lividus, the median effective concentrations (EC50) reducing percentages of normal larvae by 50% were: 350 microg l(-1) for chlorpyrifos, 5500 microg l(-1) for diuron, 4277 microg l(-1) for SDS, and 0.309 microg l(-1) for TBT. For C. intestinalis, the EC50 values affecting embryogenesis success were 5666 microg l(-1) for chlorpyrifos, 24,397 microg (l-1) for diuron, 4412 microg l(-1) for lindane, 5145 microg I(-1) for SDS, and 7.1 microg l(-1) for TBT. The median lethal concentrations (LC50) for M. squinado larval survival were 0.84 microg l(-1) (24 h) and 0.79 microg l(-1) (48 h) for chlorpyrifos, 2.23 microg(l(-1) (24 h) and 2.18 microg l(-1) (48 h) for lindane, and 687 microg l(-1) (48 h) for SDS. For P. serratus the LC50 values obtained were 0.35 microg l(-1) (24 h) and 0.22 microg l(-1) (48 h) for chlorpyrifos, 3011 microg l(-1) (24 h) and 3044 microg l(-1) (48 h) for diuron, 5.20 microg l(-1) (24 h) and 5.59 microg l(-1) (48 h) for lindane, and 22.30 microg l(-1) (24 h) and 17.52 microg l(-1) (48 h) for TBT. Decapod larvae, as expected, were markedly more sensitive to the insecticides than sea urchins and ascidians, and SDS was the least toxic compound tested for these organisms. Lowest observed effect concentrations (LOEC) of TBT for sea urchin and ascidian embryos, chlorpyrifos and lindane for crustacean larvae, and SDS, were similar to those found in many coastal areas indicating that there would be a risk to invertebrate embryos and larvae from exposure in the field to these pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Bellas
- Laboratorio de Ecoloxía Mariña, Departamento de Ecoloxía e Bioloxía Animal, Universidade de Vigo, Campus Lagoas-Marcosende, E-36200, Vigo, Galicia, Spain.
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Angelini C, Aluigi MG, Sgro M, Trombino S, Thielecke H, Falugi C. Cell signalling during sea urchin development: a model for assessing toxicity of environmental contaminants. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR AND SUBCELLULAR BIOLOGY 2005; 39:45-70. [PMID: 17152693 DOI: 10.1007/3-540-27683-1_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The early development of sea urchins has been thoroughly studied since the beginning of the 20th century thanks to the particular features of the model involving cell signalling, making it easy to follow the complex cell-to-cell interactions that lead to development. In this chapter, the prominent role of cell-to-cell communication in developmental events is discussed, as well as the role of intracellular ion changes that are in turn regulated by signal molecules belonging to the cholinergic system. The results seem to indicate that the zygote stage is the most suitable to study the role of the cholinergic system, as at this stage, a calcium spike can be evoked by exposure to acetylcholine (ACh) or to muscarinic drugs, at any time before the nuclear breakdown. The described outcomes also open a path to a new way of considering biomarkers. In fact, most environmental factors have the capacity to interfere with the cholinergic system: stress, wounds, inflammation and pollution in general. In particular, this offers a way to investigate the presence in the environment and the degree of aggressiveness of neurotoxic contaminants, such as organophosphate and carbamate pesticides, largely used in European countries for many purposes, including agricultural pest control and medical treatment. These drugs exert their function by interfering with the regulation of the cholinergic system and the consequent electrical events. Thus, the sea urchin zygote could represent a reliable model to be used in biosensors with the capacity to translate the effect of neurotoxic pesticides, and generally of stress-inducing contaminants, in living cell responses, such as electrical responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Angelini
- Dipartimento di Biologia Sperimentale, Ambientale ed Applicata (DIBISAA), University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 16132 Genova, Italy
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Slotkin TA. Cholinergic systems in brain development and disruption by neurotoxicants: nicotine, environmental tobacco smoke, organophosphates. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2004; 198:132-51. [PMID: 15236950 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2003.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 402] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2003] [Accepted: 06/09/2003] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Acetylcholine and other neurotransmitters play unique trophic roles in brain development. Accordingly, drugs and environmental toxicants that promote or interfere with neurotransmitter function evoke neurodevelopmental abnormalities by disrupting the timing or intensity of neurotrophic actions. The current review discusses three exposure scenarios involving acetylcholine systems: nicotine from maternal smoking during pregnancy, exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), and exposure to the organophosphate insecticide, chlorpyrifos (CPF). All three have long-term, adverse effects on specific processes involved in brain cell replication and differentiation, synaptic development and function, and ultimately behavioral performance. Many of these effects can be traced to the sequence of cellular events surrounding the trophic role of acetylcholine acting on its specific cellular receptors and associated signaling cascades. However, for chlorpyrifos, additional noncholinergic mechanisms appear to be critical in establishing the period of developmental vulnerability, the sites and type of neural damage, and the eventual outcome. New findings indicate that developmental neurotoxicity extends to late phases of brain maturation including adolescence. Novel in vitro and in vivo exposure models are being developed to uncover heretofore unsuspected mechanisms and targets for developmental neurotoxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore A Slotkin
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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Slotkin TA. Guidelines for Developmental Neurotoxicity and Their Impact on Organophosphate Pesticides: A Personal View from an Academic Perspective. Neurotoxicology 2004; 25:631-40. [PMID: 15183016 DOI: 10.1016/s0161-813x(03)00050-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2002] [Accepted: 03/03/2003] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The appropriate regulation of drugs, chemicals and environmental contaminants requires the establishment of clear and accepted guidelines for developmental neurotoxicity. Ideally, these guidelines should encompass the ability to assess widely disparate classes of compounds through routine tests, with high throughput and low cost. Increasingly, however, the progress in primary research from academic laboratories deviates from this goal, focusing instead on categorizing novel effects of toxicants, development of new testing paradigms, and extension of techniques into molecular biology. The differing objectives of academic science as opposed to those of regulatory agencies or industry, are driven in part, by the priorities of the agencies that fund primary research. Recent work on organophosphate pesticides (OPs) such as chlorpyrifos (CPF) illustrate this dichotomy. Originally, OPs were thought to affect brain development through their ability to elicit cholinesterase inhibition and consequent cholinergic hyperstimulation. This common mechanism allowed for parallels to be drawn between standard measures of systemic toxicity, gross morphological examinations, and exposure testing utilizing an easily-assessed surrogate endpoint, plasma cholinesterase activity. In the past decade, however, it has become increasingly evident that CPF, and probably other OPs, have direct effects on cellular processes that are unique to brain development, and that these effects are mechanistically unrelated to inhibition of cholinesterase. The identification and pursuit of these mechanisms and their consequences for brain development represent new and exciting scientific findings, while at the same obscuring the ability to sustain a uniform approach to neurotoxicity guidelines or biomarkers of exposure. In the future, a new set of test paradigms, relying on primary work in cell culture, invertebrates, or non-mammalian models, followed by more targeted examinations of specific processes in mammalian models, may unite cutting-edge academic research with the need for establishing flexible guidelines for developmental neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore A Slotkin
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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Meyer A, Seidler FJ, Cousins MM, Slotkin TA. Developmental neurotoxicity elicited by gestational exposure to chlorpyrifos: when is adenylyl cyclase a target? ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2003; 111:1871-6. [PMID: 14644659 PMCID: PMC1241759 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.6468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The developmental neurotoxicity of chlorpyrifos (CPF) involves mechanisms over and above cholinesterase inhibition. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of gestational CPF exposure on the adenylyl cyclase (AC) signaling cascade, which regulates the production of cyclic AMP, a major controller of cell replication and differentiation. In addition to basal AC activity, we assessed the AC response to direct enzymatic stimulants [forskolin, manganese (Mn(2+))]; the response to isoproterenol, which activates signaling through beta-adrenoceptors (betaARs); and the concentration of betaAR binding sites. CPF administered to pregnant rats on gestational days (GD) 9-12 elicited little or no change in any components of AC activity or betaARs. However, shifting the treatment window to GD17-20 produced regionally selective augmentation of AC activity. In the brainstem, the response to forskolin or Mn(2+) was markedly stimulated by doses at or below the threshold for observable toxicity of CPF or for inhibition of fetal brain cholinesterase, whereas comparable effects were seen in the forebrain only at higher doses. In addition, low doses of CPF reduced betaAR binding without impairing receptor-mediated stimulation of AC. These results indicate that signal transduction through the AC cascade is a target for CPF during a discrete developmental period in late gestation, an effect that is likely to contribute to the noncholinergic component of CPF's developmental neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armando Meyer
- Centro de Estudos da Saúde do Trabalhador e Ecologia Humana, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Aldridge JE, Seidler FJ, Meyer A, Thillai I, Slotkin TA. Serotonergic systems targeted by developmental exposure to chlorpyrifos: effects during different critical periods. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2003; 111:1736-43. [PMID: 14594624 PMCID: PMC1241716 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.6489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
During brain development, serotonin (5HT) provides essential neurotrophic signals. In the present study, we evaluated whether the developmental neurotoxicity of chlorpyrifos (CPF) involves effects on 5HT signaling, as a potential mechanism underlying noncholinergic neuroteratogenic events. We evaluated four different treatment windows ranging from the neural tube stage [gestational days (GD) 9-12] and the late gestational period (GD17-20) through postnatal phases of terminal neuronal differentiation and synaptogenesis [postnatal days (PN) 1-4, PN11-14]. Exposure to CPF on GD9-12 elicited initial suppression, immediately followed by rebound elevation, of 5HT1A and 5HT2 receptors as well as the 5HT transporter, all at doses below the threshold for cholinergic hyperstimulation and the resultant systemic toxicity. In contrast, with GD17-20 exposure, the initial effect was augmentation of all three components by low doses of CPF. Sensitivity of these effects declined substantially when exposure was shifted to the postnatal period. We also identified major alterations in 5HT-mediated responses, assessed for the adenylyl cyclase signaling cascade. Although GD9-12 exposure had only minor effects, treatment on GD17-20 elicited supersensitivity to both stimulatory and inhibitory responses mediated by 5HT. Our results indicate that CPF affects 5HT receptors, the presynaptic 5HT transporter, and 5HT-mediated signal transduction during a discrete critical gestational window. These effects are likely to contribute to the noncholinergic component of CPF's developmental neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin E Aldridge
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Qiao D, Nikitina LA, Buznikov GA, Lauder JM, Seidler FJ, Slotkin TA. The sea urchin embryo as a model for mammalian developmental neurotoxicity: ontogenesis of the high-affinity choline transporter and its role in cholinergic trophic activity. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2003; 111:1730-5. [PMID: 14594623 PMCID: PMC1241715 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.6429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Embryonic development in the sea urchin requires trophic actions of the same neurotransmitters that participate in mammalian brain assembly. We evaluated the development of the high-affinity choline transporter, which controls acetylcholine synthesis. A variety of developmental neurotoxicants affect this transporter in mammalian brain. [3H]Hemicholinium-3 binding to the transporter was found in the cell membrane fraction at stages from the unfertilized egg to pluteus, with a binding affinity comparable with that seen in mammalian brain. Over the course of development, the concentration of transporter sites rose more than 3-fold, achieving concentrations comparable with those of cholinergically enriched mammalian brain regions. Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE), a competitive inhibitor of choline transport, elicited dysmorphology beginning at the mid-blastula stage, with anomalies beginning progressively later as the concentration of DMAE was lowered. Pretreatment, cotreatment, or delayed treatment with acetylcholine or choline prevented the adverse effects of DMAE. Because acetylcholine was protective at a lower threshold, the DMAE-induced defects were most likely mediated by its effects on acetylcholine synthesis. Transient removal of the hyaline layer enabled a charged transport inhibitor, hemicholinium-3, to penetrate sufficiently to elicit similar anomalies, which were again prevented by acetylcholine or choline. These results indicate that the developing sea urchin possesses a high-affinity choline transporter analogous to that found in the mammalian brain, and, as in mammals, the functioning of this transporter plays a key role in the developmental, trophic activity of acetylcholine. The sea urchin model may thus be useful in high-throughput screening of suspected developmental neurotoxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Qiao
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710-3813, USA
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Garcia SJ, Seidler FJ, Slotkin TA. Developmental neurotoxicity elicited by prenatal or postnatal chlorpyrifos exposure: effects on neurospecific proteins indicate changing vulnerabilities. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2003; 111:297-303. [PMID: 12611658 PMCID: PMC1241386 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.5791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The developmental neurotoxicity of the organophosphate pesticide chlorpyrifos (CPF) is thought to involve both neurons and glia, thus producing a prolonged window of vulnerability. To characterize the cell types and brain regions involved in these effects, we administered CPF to developing rats and examined neuroprotein markers for oligodendrocytes (myelin basic protein, MBP), for neuronal cell bodies (neurofilament 68 kDa, NF68), and for developing axons (neurofilament 200 kDa, NF200). Prenatal CPF administration on gestational days (GDs) 17-20 elicited an immediate (GD21) enhancement of MBP and NF68; by postnatal day (PN) 30, however, there were deficits in all three biomarkers, with the effect restricted to females. Exposure in the early postnatal period, PN1-4, did not evoke significant short-term or long-term changes in the neuroproteins. However, with treatment on PN11-14, we found reductions in MBP in the immediate posttreatment period (PN15, PN20) throughout the brain, and deficiencies across all three proteins emerged by PN30. With this regimen, males were targeted preferentially. The sex-selective effects seen here for the GD17-20 and PN11-14 regimens match those reported earlier for subsequent behavioral performance. These results indicate a shift in the populations of neural cells targeted by CPF, dependent upon the period of exposure. Similarly, developmental differences in the sex selectivity of the biochemical mechanisms underlying neurotoxicant actions are likely to contribute to discrete behavioral outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie J Garcia
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Yanai J, Vatury O, Slotkin TA. Cell signaling as a target and underlying mechanism for neurobehavioral teratogenesis. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2002; 965:473-8. [PMID: 12105122 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2002.tb04188.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A wide variety of drugs and chemicals elicit neurobehavioral teratogenesis. Surprisingly, however, despite the obvious differences among unrelated compounds, the behavioral outcomes often display striking similarities, such as cognitive and attentional deficits. Recent studies of drugs of abuse (heroin, nicotine, barbiturates) and environmental toxins (environmental tobacco smoke, pesticides, metals) suggest that, regardless of the originating mechanism for perturbation of brain development, disparate neuroteratogens converge downstream on common families of alterations, characterized by changes in the expression and/or activity of the cell-signaling molecules that are essential to neuronal differentiation and synaptic communication. Identification of these common targets may help in the design of pharmacologic interventions that, administered in adulthood, can reverse the impact of exposure to neurobehavioral teratogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Yanai
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
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Slotkin TA, Seidler FJ, Yanai J. Heroin neuroteratogenicity: targeting adenylyl cyclase as an underlying biochemical mechanism. BRAIN RESEARCH. DEVELOPMENTAL BRAIN RESEARCH 2001; 132:69-79. [PMID: 11744108 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-3806(01)00296-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal heroin exposure evokes neurochemical and behavioral deficits that in part, reflect disruption of septohippocampal cholinergic function. In earlier studies, we found that cholinergic synaptic defects involve changes in proteins, like protein kinase C, that are essential to receptor-mediated signaling. In the current study, we determined whether heroin targets another signaling protein, adenylyl cyclase (AC), which regulates the production of cAMP. Mice exposed to prenatal heroin showed subsequent postnatal elevations of AC activity that lasted into adulthood. The effect was most robust with stimulants that activate AC directly (forskolin, Mn(2+)), indicating increased expression of AC itself; we also identified shifts in catalytic properties suggestive of a change in the AC isoform. Superimposed on the overall induction of AC, there were transient deficits in the responses to stimulants working through G-proteins (NaF) or G-protein coupled receptors (isoproterenol, a beta-adrenoceptor agonist), indicating alterations at other steps in the signaling pathway. Effects on the regulation of AC activity were seen in brain regions with widely disparate maturational timetables and also occurred in regions, like the cerebellum, that are sparse in cholinergic input. These results suggest that the expression and/or function of signaling proteins distal to neurotransmitter receptors represent a major target for neurobehavioral teratogenesis by heroin; the fact that these targets are shared by otherwise unrelated neuroteratogens may account for a common set of neurochemical and behavioral anomalies in response to prenatal exposure to drugs or environmental chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- T A Slotkin
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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Qiao D, Seidler FJ, Slotkin TA. Developmental neurotoxicity of chlorpyrifos modeled in vitro: comparative effects of metabolites and other cholinesterase inhibitors on DNA synthesis in PC12 and C6 cells. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2001; 109:909-13. [PMID: 11673119 PMCID: PMC1240440 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.01109909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The widely used organophosphate pesticide chlorpyrifos is a suspected neuroteratogen. In the current study, we compared the effects of chlorpyrifos and its major metabolites in two in vitro models, neuronotypic PC12 cells and gliotypic C6 cells. Chlorpyrifos inhibited DNA synthesis in both cell lines but had a greater effect on gliotypic cells. Chlorpyrifos oxon, the active metabolite that inhibits cholinesterase, also decreased DNA synthesis in PC12 and C6 cells with a preferential effect on the latter. Trichloropyridinol, the major catabolic product of chlorpyrifos, had a much smaller, but nevertheless statistically significant, effect that was equivalent in both cell lines. Diazinon, another organophosphate pesticide, also inhibited DNA synthesis with preference toward C6 cells, but was less effective than was chlorpyrifos. Physostigmine, a non-organophosphate cholinesterase inhibitor, was less effective than either chlorpyrifos or diazinon, but still caused significant inhibition of DNA synthesis in C6 cells. We also found that the addition of sera protected the cells from the adverse effects of chlorpyrifos and that the effect could be reproduced by addition of albumin. These results indicate that chlorpyrifos and other organophosphates such as diazinon have immediate, direct effects on neural cell replication, preferentially for gliotypic cells. In light of the protective effect of serum proteins, the fact that the fetus and newborn possess lower concentrations of these proteins suggests that greater neurotoxic effects may occur at blood levels of chlorpyrifos that are nontoxic to adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Qiao
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
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