Induction of cell migration and activation in mice by the freshwater sponge Drulia uruguayensis Bonetto & Ezcurra de Drago, 1968 (Porifera: Metaniidae)

Abstract

Abstract:Freshwater sponges are abundant in the Amazon region and they have been known to cause dermatitis (acute inflammation) since the beginning of the 20 th century. To determine whether additional constituents, besides their body spicules, cause dermatological reactions in humans, an experimental study was developed and carried out using mice and Drulia uruguayensis prepared in three different forms: intact sponges (IS), macerated sponges (MS) or isolated spicules -megascleres (ISM). The cells most commonly involved in inflammatory reactions (mast cells, eosinophils and neutrophils), as well as intraepithelial lymphocytes and degranulated mast cells, were counted so that they could be used as parameters to determine which of the sponge preparations induced the greatest reaction. The effects of the sponge on the skin were then determined by histological analysis. The results obtained showed that IS caused the greatest inflammatory reaction (p = 0.000005), activating mainly mast cells (p = 0.0018). The histopathological analysis revealed a slight loss of continuity of the epidermis when ISM or IS were applied. These findings allow us to conclude that a structurally intact sponge can cause a greater inflammatory reaction in the first contact because of its ability to perforate the skin and allow inflammatory agents to enter. Other proteins present in dried sponge bodies could induce allergic but not toxic responses (in contact with the entire sponge, a large number of pharmacologically inert proteins may be introduced, with a potential allergen).

Elemental composition of freshwater sponges Drulia uruguayensis and Drulia cristata collected in the Tapajós River

“…In purified spicules obtained from D. uruguayensis specimens collected in regions close to that of the present work, silicon proved to be the major component; however, the concentration of silicon was lower (18.862%) . Other work involving five species of marine sponges, also of the class Demospongiae, reports an even lower maximum concentration of silicon (13.16%) …”

“…In purified spicules obtained from D. uruguayensis specimens collected in regions close to that of the present work, silicon proved to be the major component; however, the concentration of silicon was lower (18.862%). [26] Other work involving five species of marine sponges, also of the class Demospongiae, reports an even lower maximum concentration of silicon (13.16%). [12] The other element detected in larger quantities was aluminum, with 5.77% in D. cristata and 5.36% in D. uruguayensis, in much higher concentrations than previously reported for the waters of the Tapajos River: 280 mg/l (0.28 ppm).…”

“…Calcium and zinc were reported in spicules of D. uruguayensis collected in locations different from that in our study . In the present work, calcium and zince were detected only in the D. cristata species.…”

Checklist das esponjas do Estado do Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil

“…Representam, no entanto, uma fauna atual composta por uma associação, de todas ou algumas, das seis espécies de esponjas (VolkmerRibeiro, 1992;Volkmer-Ribeiro & Motta, 1995), cujas espículas contribuíram para esses depósitos, em ambiente pretérito favorável a uma produção excepcional desses animais. Essas lagoas são conhecidas pelo nome popular de "lagoas da coceira", devido à irritação e mesmo reações alérgicas que, reconhecidamente as espículas depositadas no fundo ou em suspensão nas águas, causam ao penetrarem na pele (Magalhães et al, 2011).…”