Cholinesterase activities in the adductor muscle of the Antarctic scallop Adamussium colbecki

Abstract

Antarctica is regarded as one of the most pristine parts of the Earth but even this remote ecosystem is affected by contamination and high levels of certain heavy metals, such as cadmium, which may occur naturally in Antarctic waters. The bivalve scallop Adamussium colbecki is considered a key species of Antarctic benthic ecosystems and a sensitive target for bioaccumulation of xenobiotics and metals. Since cholinesterases (ChEs) in the adductor muscle of A. colbecki presumably play a prominent physiological role through regulation of swimming movements, the main aims of this study was to characterize ChE activities in adductor muscle of A. colbecki and to investigate their sensitivity to organophosphate pesticides and heavy metals. The results suggest that an acetylcholinesterase-like enzyme in the adductor muscle of the scallop has low sensitivity to organophosphates but was significantly inhibited by exposure to cadmium.

Effects of the Fragrance Galaxolide on the Biomarker Responses of the Clam Ruditapes philippinarum

“…It has been suggested that BChE might play a back-up role when AChE activity in neurotransmission is insufficient, although more experimental evidence is needed [85]. In marine invertebrates, BChE activity along with AChE was evaluated to assess the neurotoxicity of pollutants [76,83,86,87]. Herein, we evaluated the activity of BChE in the gills and digestive gland as a neurotoxic biomarker of HHCB exposure in R. philippinarum.…”

“…Since there are no data about HHCB effects on BChE activity in aquatic organisms, further studies are required in order to better clarify this aspect. In previous studies, BChE activity was measured in molluscs exposed to pesticides and organophosphorus compounds [66,86,87].…”

Acetylcholinesterase activity in juvenileCiona intestinalis(Ascidiacea, Urochordata) after exposure to tributyltin

“…In recent years, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), has been proposed as a target for organophosphate and carbamate pesticides (Scaps 2004), heavy metals and organotin compounds (Frasco et al 2005;Bonacci et al 2006;Cangialosi et al 2006;2009). AChE enzymes are responsible for hydrolyzing the neurotransmitter acetylcholine into choline and acetic acid.…”

Metal pollution in sediments and bivalves in Marovo Lagoon, Solomon Islands

“…When dealing with heavy metals in bio-indicators in the marine environment, it is important to note that, the stationary sedentary organisms are more advantageous to use than the mobile organisms such as fish. Sedentary organisms such as bivalves are widely used as metal pollution indicators, due to a range of biological characteristics that can include, filter feeding behavior and potential to bioaccumulate chemical pollutants including metals (Zhou et al, 2008;Bonacci et al, 2006).…”