Cytochemical demonstration of latency of lysosomal hydrolases in digestive cells of the common mussel, Mytilus edulis, and changes induced by thermal stress

Abstract

Latent beta-glucuronidase and glucosaminidase activities have been demonstrated in small cytoplasmic particles, which may possibly be primary lysosomes, as well as some larger granules of the digestive cells of the common mussel. Latency was indicated by increased staining of these structures following incubation in buffer at pH 4.5 at 37 degrees C. The exposure of mussels to temperatures of 25-28 degrees C over a period of four days induced a significant decrease in the latency of lysosomal glucosaminidase. Thermal death produced labilization of lysosomes although selective release of hydrolase activity was indicated by the differential latency of glucosaminidase and glucuronidase. The injection of hydrocortisone induced a significant increase in latency in stressed animals, indicating that the stress response involved changes in structure and function of membranes.

Effects of the ‘Prestige’ oil spill on cellular biomarkers in intertidal mussels: results of the first year of studies

“…The lowest LP values were found in Galicia, which can be attributed to a stress situation or disturbed health, as previously described in mussels inhabiting heavily contaminated sites (Moore et al 1987, Domouhtsidou & Dimitriadis 2001, Marigómez et al 2005. Particularly, petroleum hydrocarbons are known to affect the membrane stability of digestive gland lysosomes, and breaks in the lysosomal membrane have been related to the concentration of hydrocarbons in the digestive gland (Moore 1976, Moore et al 1987). Organic pollutants can also produce alterations in the structure of digestive cell lysosomes in mussels (Moore et al 1978, Cajaraville et al 1995.…”

Bisphenol-A alters gene expression and functional parameters in molluscan hepatopancreas

“…At 24 hrs post-7 injection, digestive glands were rapidly dissected fro each group of mussels, pooled and frozen in liquid nitrogen and maintained at -80°C. For histological analyses, small pieces of digestive glands were placed on aluminium chucks, immersed in hexane pre-cooled to -70°C in liquid nitrogen and maintained at -80°C (Moore, 1976). Animals were not fed during the experiment.…”

“…Lysosomal membrane stability was evaluated in duplicate cryostat section of 5 digestive glands according to Moore (1988) and sections (10 μm) were cut with a cryostat (Bright CM3050), flashdried by transferring them to room temperature, and then stained for N-acetyl-β-hexosaminidase activity (Moore, 1976). Digital images of the tissue sections were acquired by an Olympus BX60 microscope light microscope equipped with a scientific grade Color ViewII CCD Camera (Olympus, J).…”

Disease in marine aquaculture

“…Working with mussels, Bayne and associates observed decline in condition and depression of gametogenic activity under stress conditions. Other studies by Moore (1976Moore ( , 1977) related degree of cell damage due to destabilization of lysosomal membranes to degrees of stress.…”