Seasonal variability of metabolic markers and oxidative balance in freshwater amphipod Hyalella kaingang (Crustacea, Amphipoda).
Amphipods are widely used as bioindicator organisms, in view of their ease of collection and cultivation, sexual dimorphism and abundance, in aquatic environments. In the present study male (n=30) and female (n=30) amphipod Hyalella kaingang were collected during the middle of each season from a nature preserve (Research Center PRÓ-MATA) in São Francisco de Paula, Southern Brazil. Proteins, glycogen, lipids, triglycerides, glycerol, and lipid peroxidation (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione S-transferase activity) were measured. The results obtained for the markers of energy metabolism, antioxidant enzymes, and lipid peroxidation revealed a clear seasonal variation. The patterns of proteins, glycerol, and glutathione S-transferase activity did not differ between sexes; conversely, differential responses in males and females over the year were observed for all other parameters (glycogen, lipids, triglycerides, lipid peroxidation, and superoxide dismutase and catalase activity). These responses appear to be strongly influenced by a prolonged reproductive period (autumn through spring, peaking in autumn); by the degree of exploratory activity, particularly in the summer and autumn; and by abiotic factors, such as temperature and photoperiod. The responses observed in the summer and autumn (decrease in levels of proteins, glycogen and fats, and increase in lipid peroxidation levels and glutathione S-transferase activity), suggest that this season represents a critical time point for these animals. The parameters studied herein may be used as biomarkers to assess the environmental conditions in the aquatic habitat.
Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Department of Morphophysiological Sciences, Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Brazil.
Fernando Machado
FM
Braghirolli
Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Department of Morphophysiological Sciences, Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Brazil.
Maiara Rodriguez
MR
Oliveira
Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Department of Morphophysiological Sciences, Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Brazil. Electronic address: guendato@pucrs.br.
Guendalina Turcato
GT
Oliveira
D033304:Amphipoda / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D001938:Brazil; D002374:Catalase / Q000378:metabolism; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005260:Female; D005618:Fresh Water; D005982:Glutathione Transferase / Q000378:metabolism; D006003:Glycogen / Q000378:metabolism; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation; D008297:Male; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000502:physiology; D012098:Reproduction; D012621:Seasons; D012737:Sex Factors; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000378:metabolism
D015415:Biomarkers; D006003:Glycogen; D002374:Catalase; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase; D005982:Glutathione Transferase
Amphipod; Antioxidant enzymes; Biomarkers; Intermediary metabolism; Lipid peroxidation; Seasonal variation