Metallothionein induction in the aquatic oligochaete Tubifex tubifex exposed to the herbicide isoproturon.
Metallothioneins (MTs), are low molecular weight proteins, mainly involved in metal ion detoxification. Recently it has been demonstrated that MTs participate in several cellular functions such as regulation of growth, and anti-oxidative defenses. Moreover, pesticides can induce their synthesis. The aim of the current work was to determine the effects of isoproturon either pure or formulated as Matin (suspension containing 500 g x l(-1) isoproturon) on the metallothionein and total protein content of the aquatic worm Tubifex tubifex. MT levels in exposed worms increased significantly after 7 and 15 days of exposure to 50 mg x l(-1) of herbicide. Isoproturon reduced metal (Cu, Zn, and Cd) content of metallothioneins, and it also increased total protein content of the worms. The results suggest that MT induction may not be considered as a specific biomarker of metal exposure but it can be used as a non specific biomarker of isoproturon effect in the worm.
Mosleh
Y Y
YY
Laboratoire d'Eco-Toxicologie, Unité de Recherche sur la Vigne et le Vin de Champagne-UPRES-EA 2069, Faculté des Sciences, Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, B.P. 1039, 51687 Reims cedex 02, France.
Paris-Palacios
S
S
Arnoult
F
F
Couderchet
M
M
Vernet
G
G
D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006540:Herbicides / Q000633:toxicity*; D008668:Metallothionein / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D008782:Methylurea Compounds / Q000633:toxicity*; D009835:Oligochaeta / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D010671:Phenylurea Compounds; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000633:toxicity*
D015415:Biomarkers; D006540:Herbicides; D008782:Methylurea Compounds; D010671:Phenylurea Compounds; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; C028904:isoproturon; D008668:Metallothionein