Effects of cadmium on aneuploidy and hemocyte parameters in the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas

Abstract

Pacific oysters, Crassostrea gigas, are commonly reared in estuaries where they are exposed to anthropogenic pollution. Much research has been made on the toxicity of cadmium to aquatic organisms because the compound recurrently contaminates their environment. Our study examined the influence of cadmium on aneuploidy level (lowered chromosome number in a percentage of somatic cells) and hemocyte parameters in C. gigas at different stages of life. Adults and juveniles were exposed to two different concentrations of cadmium. The first concentration applied was equivalent to a peak value found in Marennes-Oléron bay (Charente-Maritime, France; 50 ngL(-1)) and the second was 10 times higher (500 ngL(-1)). Exposure to 50 ngL(-1) cadmium caused a significant decrease in the survival time of C. gigas, but exposure to 500 ngL(-1) surprisingly affected the survival time positively. Significant differences in aneuploidy level were observed between the cadmium treatments and the control in adults but not in juveniles or the offspring of the adult groups. The effects of cadmium on hemocyte parameters were analyzed by flow cytometry. Several hemocyte parameters increased significantly after 21 days of cadmium exposure and subsequently decreased. Phenoloxidase-like activity, evaluated by spectrophotometry, varied over the time of the experiment and increased after 66 days of contact with 500 ngL(-1) cadmium. Taken together, cadmium at environmentally relevant concentrations seems to have only moderate effects on aneuploidy and hemocyte parameters.

Proteomic and metabolomic responses in D-shape larval mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis exposed to cadmium and arsenic

“…Cd may inactivate many metabolic enzymes by competing for the catalytic sites with other metals [6,7]. In addition, both Cd and As can induce oxidative stress in animals by producing excessive reactive oxygen species [8].…”

Manila clam Venerupis philippinarum as a biomonitor to metal pollution

“…For example, cadmium (Cd) is a typical non-essential metal element that is a natural impurity of zinc mineral and other ores, and is released into the marine environment by mining, refi ning and plating (Choi et al, 2007). Cadmium can enter cells through calcium (Ca) channels and can inactivate many important enzymes by competing for the catalytic sites of other metals (Bouilly et al, 2006;Chang et al, 2009). Furthermore, Cd induces oxidative stresses by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS), which cause damage to biological molecules such as lipids, proteins and DNA (Chappie et al, 1997;Dovzhenko et al, 2005).…”

Differential metabolic responses in three life stages of mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis exposed to cadmium

“…Sun et al (2011) reported that Cd was one of the important metal contaminants in the sediments from the Bohai coast. Cd can inactivate many metabolic enzymes by competing for the catalytic sites with other metals (Bouilly et al 2006;Chang et al 2009). Furthermore, Cd can induce oxidative stress in animals by producing excessive reactive oxygen species (Company et al 2004).…”