Silver nanoparticle exposure causes apoptotic response in the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris (Oligochaeta).
In terrestrial ecotoxicology there is a serious lack of data for potential hazards posed by engineered nanoparticles (ENPs). This is partly due to complex interactions between ENPs and the soil matrix, but also to the lack of suitable toxicological end points in organisms that are exposed to ENPs in a relevant manner. Earthworms are key organisms in terrestrial ecosystems, but so far only physiological end points of low sensitivity have been used in ecotoxicity studies with ENPs. We exposed the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris to silver nanoparticles and measured their impact on apoptosis in different tissues. Increased apoptotic activity was detected in a range of tissues both at acute and sublethal concentrations (down to 4 mg/kg soil). Comparing exposure in water and soil showed reduced bioavailability in soil reflected in the apoptotic response. Apoptosis appears to be a sensitive end point and potentially a powerful tool for quantifying environmental hazards of ENPs.
Lapied
Emmanuel
E
Bioforsk Soil & Environment, Fredrik A Dahls vei 20, N-1432 As, Norway.
Moudilou
Elara
E
Exbrayat
Jean-Marie
JM
Oughton
Deborah Helen
DH
Joner
Erik Jautris
EJ
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000494:pharmacology; D020287:In Situ Nick-End Labeling; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles; D009835:Oligochaeta / Q000187:drug effects*; D012834:Silver / Q000494:pharmacology*
D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D012834:Silver