title: Metal, metallothionein and glutathione levels in blue crab (Callinectes sp.) specimens from southeastern Brazil.
abstract: Metal concentrations (Cu, Pb, Zn and Cd) were determined in muscle, gills, soft tissues and eggs in male, non-ovigerous and ovigerous female Callinectes sp. specimens from a reference site in Southeastern Brazil. Metallothionein (MT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were also determined. Results demonstrate that sex has a significant influence on metal, MT and GSH concentrations. Significant maternal transfer of Pb and Zn from ovigerous females to eggs was verified, while female crabs, both ovigerous and non-ovigerous, showed elevated GSH and MT in viscera when compared to males, indicating possible MT role in excreting metals to eggs in ovigerous females of this species. Several strong statistical correlations between metals and MT indicate MTs role in detoxification of both toxic and essential elements in different organs. Pb and Zn were significantly correlated to GSH, indicating oxidative stress caused by the former and a direct link between Zn and GSH in maintaining homeostasis. Regarding human consumption, metal concentrations were lower than the maximum permissible levels established by international and Brazilian regulatory agencies, indicating that this species is safe for human consumption concerning this parameter. The presence of metals in Callinectes sp., however, is still of importance considering that this is a key species within the studied ecosystem and, therefore, plays a major role in the transference of pollutants to higher trophic levels. In addition, the presence of significant metal concentrations found in eggs must be considered in this context, since crab eggs are eaten by several other species, such as shorebirds, seabirds, and fish. Also, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study regarding both MT and GSH levels in Callinectes sp. eggs and is of interest in the investigation of molecular mechanisms regarding metal exposure in these crustaceans. Data reported in this study support the conclusions from previous reports, provide mechanistic insights regarding metal exposure, metallothionein and oxidative stress induction in this species and also present novel data regarding eggs.
authors.affiliation: Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Departamento de Química, Laboratório de Bioanalítica, Rua Marquês de São Vicente, 225, Gávea, CEP: 22453-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
authors.forename: Raquel Teixeira
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Lavradas
authors.affiliation: Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Departamento de Química, Laboratório de Bioanalítica, Rua Marquês de São Vicente, 225, Gávea, CEP: 22453-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. Electronic address: rachel.hauser.davis@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Rachel Ann
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Hauser-Davis
authors.affiliation: Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Departamento de Química, Laboratório de Bioanalítica, Rua Marquês de São Vicente, 225, Gávea, CEP: 22453-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
authors.forename: Ricardo Cavalcanti
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Lavandier
authors.affiliation: Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Departamento de Química, Laboratório de Bioanalítica, Rua Marquês de São Vicente, 225, Gávea, CEP: 22453-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
authors.forename: Rafael Christian Chávez
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Rocha
authors.affiliation: Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Departamento de Química, Laboratório de Bioanalítica, Rua Marquês de São Vicente, 225, Gávea, CEP: 22453-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
authors.forename: Tatiana D
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Saint' Pierre
authors.affiliation: Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Departamento de Química, Laboratório de Bioanalítica, Rua Marquês de São Vicente, 225, Gávea, CEP: 22453-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
authors.forename: Tércia
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Seixas
authors.affiliation: Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Campos dos Goytacazes, CEP: 28013-602 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
authors.forename: Helena Amaral
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Kehrig
authors.affiliation: Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Departamento de Química, Laboratório de Bioanalítica, Rua Marquês de São Vicente, 225, Gávea, CEP: 22453-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
authors.forename: Isabel
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Moreira
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight; D003386:Brachyura / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D001938:Brazil; D005260:Female; D005880:Gills / Q000737:chemistry; D005978:Glutathione / Q000032:analysis*; D008658:Inactivation, Metabolic; D008297:Male; D008668:Metallothionein / Q000032:analysis*; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*; D009132:Muscles / Q000737:chemistry; D010063:Ovum / Q000737:chemistry; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D012727:Sex Characteristics
chemical_list: D019216:Metals, Heavy; D008668:Metallothionein; D005978:Glutathione
keywords: Blue crab; Metal transfer; Metallothionein; Metals; Oxidative Stress