India ink induces apoptosis in the yellow clam Mesodesma mactroides (Deshayes, 1854). Optical and ultrastructural study

Abstract

This paper reports on the acute inflammatory and cellular process in the yellow clam, Mesodesma mactroides, induced by injection of India ink into the muscular foot. Histological observations with optical and electronic microscopy were made at 24 and 48 h after injection. The induced cellular inflammatory response consisted of a general hemocyte infiltration without necrosis and apoptotic activity. Migration of ink-laden phagocytes across the intestinal epithelium was recorded. It appeared that the yellow clam "excreted" ink particles through the gill and kidney. The positive staining for apoptosis was observed in the digestive gland. Electronic microscopy revealed ultrastructural changes of endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptotic bodies in the digestive gland. The mechanism by which the India ink particles induce apoptosis remains unknown, but might possibly be associated with the endoplasmic reticulum stress. This work has highlighted features that require further discussion in the restricted field the inflammatory responses of mollusks.

Embryo and larval development of the yellow clam Mesodesma mactroides (Reeve, 1854) (Mesodesmatidae) in laboratory

“…Previous studies on pathogen prevalence, anthropogenic influence, seasonality (Carvalho et al 2013a, b, Santos et al 2016, salinity tolerance, histopathology and immunology (Carvalho et al 2015a(Carvalho et al , b, 2016 have been carried out to comprehend the environmental behavior of M. mactroides. To cultivate a new species, it is important to understand its biological and ecological requirements and provide adequate simulation of environmental conditions in the laboratory for a better performance in subsequent cultivation systems (Urban 2000, Madrones-Ladja 2002, Huo et al 2014.…”

Cellular and humoral immune response between snail hosts and their parasites

“…Preliminary experimental studies exposed the molluscs to inorganic material such as Indian ink and pathogens introduced by bacterial injection or by infection with human parasites such as Schistosoma mansoni . The snails were observed to be capable of clearing out bacteria from circulation ( 15 ). They could survive due to their high immunity and rapid parasite clearance after their first encounter ( 13 ).…”