Effects of tributyltin(IV) chloride on fertilization of Styela plicata (Ascidiacea: Tunicata): II. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy studies

Abstract

The morphological aspects of Styela plicata fertilization after treatment with tributyltin(IV) chloride are described by means of scanning and transmission electron microscopy investigations. Alterations have been shown both on female and male gametes; spermatozoa, all the egg envelopes and the mitochondria of the egg cortical cytoplasm are modified in relation to incubation time. As a consequence, the damage to gametes blocks sperm-egg interaction and fertilization does not occur.

Synthesis, structural investigations on organotin(IV) chlorin-e6 complexes, their effect on sea urchin embryonic development and induced apoptosis

“…Data from literature indicated that TBT derivatives inhibited the egg-sperm recognition during the ascidian fertilization [60], and altered, immediately after the entry of spermatozoon into the cortex of egg, the normal fertilization cytoplasmic movements which are strictly connected to plasma membrane. TBT derivatives altered, also, the intracellular calcium homeostasis through inhibition of the membrane Ca 2+ -ATPase which activated several processes causing, at first, microfilaments and microtubules disassembly [61] or chromosomal disorders [62], alteration of cytoplasmic organelles and cell metabolism [10,60,63].…”

Embryotoxicity studies of tri‐n‐butyltin(IV) complexes of 5‐[(E)‐2‐(aryl)‐1‐diazenyl]‐2‐hydroxybenzoic acid and 2‐[(E)‐2‐(3‐formyl‐4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐1‐diazenyl] benzoic acid on sea urchin development

“…Mansueto et al 35 and Villa et al 36 Even if the 10 −5 M solution could be higher than those of the environmental antifouling coating found in the aqueous environment, many researchers have shown that the toxic effect on many processes of different species are dose and time dependent: 24,25,32 -36 the permanence of gametes, embryos and larvae in polluted environments varies in different species and consequently their integrity could be compromised in relation to the incubation time. In addition, it is known that the sediments accumulate organotin compounds and these can be remobilized and resuspended.…”

Effects of sublethal levels of tributyltin chloride on a new toxicity test organism, Liza saliens (osteichthyes, mugilidae): a histological study

“…7,8 Fertilization, embryonic development and larval metamorphosis are seriously affected in tunicates. 9,10 In this way TBT, as with many other pollutants, can produce a reduction not only in their populations, but also in other species of marine biota. Immunotoxic effects of TBT have been reported in molluscs 11 and in tunicates.…”