title: Cytotoxic effects induced by hexachlorobenzene in Squilla mantis (L.) (Crustacea, Stomatopoda).
abstract: Contamination of marine environments by hexachlorobenzene (HCB) represents a serious concern for potential consequences on ecosystem and human health. Despite this, information on cytotoxic effects on marine organisms is still largely lacking. In this study, we investigated cytotoxic effects induced by HCB on gonads and muscular tissue of Squilla mantis by analysing Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity and plasma membrane fluidity. This crustacean species was selected as a model for its habitat, trophic level, feeding behavior, and commercial exploitation for human consumption. Time course experiments revealed that low concentrations of HCB (i.e. 50 nM) determine an exponentially decrease of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity and a significant modification of cellular membrane fluidity. Significant negative relationships between Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity and membrane fluidity were observed, suggesting that changes in the structure and packing of cellular membranes induced by HCB may be the primary factor affecting the activity of essential bilayer-associated enzymes. Overall these findings suggest that even small concentrations of HCB may determine important changes on cell metabolism with potential cascade effects on recruitment of this commercial species.
authors.affiliation: Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy. a.dellanno@univpm.it
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dell'Anno
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Raffaelli
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Danovaro
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Nanetti
authors.forename: Arianna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vignini
authors.forename: Cinzia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Moroni
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mazzanti
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003445:Crustacea / Q000187:drug effects*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006066:Gonads / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D006581:Hexachlorobenzene / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity*; D007425:Intracellular Membranes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000201:enzymology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D012623:Seawater; D000254:Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase / Q000378:metabolism; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity*
chemical_list: D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D006581:Hexachlorobenzene; D000254:Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase