Lysosomal enlargement and lysosomal membrane destabilisation in mussel digestive cells measured by an integrative index.
Lysosomal responses (enlargement and membrane destabilisation) in mussel digestive cells are well-known environmental stress biomarkers in pollution effects monitoring in marine ecosystems. Presently, in laboratory and field studies, both responses were measured separately (in terms of lysosomal volume density--Vv--and labilisation period--LP) and combined (lysosomal response index--LRI) in order to contribute to their understanding and to develop an index useful for decisions makers. LRI integrates Vv and LP, which are not necessarily dependent lysosomal responses. It is unbiased and more sensitive than Vv and LP alone and diminishes background due to confounding factors. LRI provides a simple numerical index (consensus reference=0; critical threshold=1) directly related to the pollution impact degree. Moreover, LRI can be represented in a way that allows the interpretation of lysosomal responses, which is useful for environmental scientists.
Izagirre
Urtzi
U
Cell Biology in Environmental Toxicology Research Group, Department of Zoology and Cell Biology, School of Sciences and Technology, University of the Basque Country, P.O. box 644, E-48080 Bilbo, Basque Country.
Marigómez
Ionan
I
D000818:Animals; D001267:Atlantic Ocean; D049872:Bivalvia / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D005648:Fuel Oils / Q000633:toxicity; D007425:Intracellular Membranes / Q000378:metabolism*; D008247:Lysosomes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D008522:Mediterranean Sea; D023382:Toxicity Tests, Acute
D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D005648:Fuel Oils