Ultrastructural changes and Heat Shock Proteins 70 induced by atmospheric pollution are similar to the effects observed under in vitro heavy metals stress in Conocephalum conicum (Marchantiales--Bryophyta).
Changes in ultrastructure and induction of Heat Shock Proteins 70 have been studied in Conocephalum conicum (Marchantiales) collected in different urban and country sites in Italy. These results were compared to the effects in vitro of exposition to different heavy metals for several days. At urban sites, cellular ultrastructure was modified, and heavy metals could be observed accumulating in cell walls. Simultaneously, a strong increment in Hsp70 was detected, compared with results observed on control specimens. When C. conicum was exposed to heavy metals in vitro, comparable effects as in polluted sites were observed: Cd and Pb accumulated mostly within parenchyma and, within cells, were absorbed to cell walls or concentrated in vacuoles. Moreover, severe alterations were observed in organelles. Concomitantly, a progressive accumulation of Hsp70 was detected following heavy metals exposition. These effects are discussed in order to describe the dose and time-dependent response to heavy metal stress in C. conicum.
Dipartimento di Biologia, Complesso Universitario Monte Sant'Angelo, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy.
Adriana
A
Basile
Sergio
S
Sorbo
Barbara
B
Conte
Manuela
M
Cardi
Sergio
S
Esposito
D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000633:toxicity*; D000397:Air Pollution / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001272:Atmosphere / Q000737:chemistry; D044002:Bryophyta / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D018840:HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D007558:Italy; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000633:toxicity*; D013312:Stress, Physiological
D000393:Air Pollutants; D018840:HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins; D019216:Metals, Heavy
Bioindicators; Bryophyta; Conocephalum conicum; Heat Shock Proteins 70; Heavy metals