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Scudiero R, Chianese T, Cretì P, Rosati L. Risk Assessment Arising from the Exposure of Terrestrial Vertebrates to Soil Contamination: Learning from Field Lizards of the Podarcis Genus. J Xenobiot 2025; 15:21. [PMID: 39997364 PMCID: PMC11855989 DOI: 10.3390/jox15010021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2024] [Revised: 01/14/2025] [Accepted: 01/30/2025] [Indexed: 02/26/2025] Open
Abstract
The soil environment has been considered capable of storing toxic substances without serious consequences for the inhabitants since plants are able to bioaccumulate pollutants without compromising their survival. The application of chemicals to increase soil productivity and the dumping of waste have worsened soil quality. Recently, following a greater awareness of the importance of monitoring the damage deriving from the consumption of contaminated crops for humans and of the protection of biodiversity, studies aimed at identifying the effects of soil contamination on terrestrial animals have increased considerably. Studies using field lizards as model organisms fit into this scenario; this research has shed light on the uptake, accumulation, and toxicity of soil pollutants on reptiles. This review summarizes data collected on lizards of the Podarcis genus, a group of resilient wild species capable of living in both pristine and anthropized areas; the data reveal that many of the effects recorded in lizard tissues at the molecular, biochemical, and histological levels are independent of the chemical composition of the contaminants and are mostly linked to the type of cellular response. Overall, these studies confirm Podarcis lizards as a good model system in ecotoxicological and cytotoxicological research, providing an accurate description of the effects of pollutants, clarifying the defense mechanisms activated in relation to different exposure routes and, finally, providing predictive information on the risks faced by other animals. Since the effects recorded in lizards have often also been observed in mammals, it can be concluded that the results obtained from studies on these animals can be translated to other terrestrial vertebrates, including mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Scudiero
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (T.C.); (L.R.)
| | - Teresa Chianese
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (T.C.); (L.R.)
| | - Patrizia Cretì
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
| | - Luigi Rosati
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (T.C.); (L.R.)
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Scudiero R, Verderame M, Motta CM, Migliaccio V, Simoniello P. HSP70 localization in Podarcissiculus embryos under natural thermal regime and following a non-lethal cold shock. C R Biol 2019; 342:299-308. [PMID: 31734081 DOI: 10.1016/j.crvi.2019.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs) are a superfamily of molecular chaperones that maintain cellular homeostasis under stress. HSP70 represents the major stress-inducible family member, often activated in response to changes in thermal ranges of organisms, and therefore playing an important role enhancing thermal tolerance limits in ectothermic animals. The present study aimed to investigate the presence and the localization of HSP70 through the development of Podarcis siculus, an oviparous lizard inhabiting temperate Mediterranean regions, showing a limited potential to tolerate thermal changes during embryogenesis. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that HSP70 protein is constitutively present in early embryonic stages, abundantly distributed in eye, in encephalic domains (predominantly in ventricular areas and in grey matter), in grey matter of spinal cord, in lung, gut mucosa, hepatic cords and kidney tubules. Interestingly, a severe drop in incubation temperature (5°C for 3 days) does not induce enhancements in HSP70 levels nor changes in tissues localization. These results suggest that the HSP70 found in P. siculus embryos represents a non-inducible, constitutive molecular chaperone that should be better called Heat Shock Cognate 70 (HSC70); the presence of stress-induced members of the HSP family in P. siculus has yet to be proven.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Scudiero
- Department of Biology, University Federico II, via Cintia, 80126 Napoli, Italy.
| | | | - Chiara Maria Motta
- Department of Biology, University Federico II, via Cintia, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Migliaccio
- Department of Biology, University Federico II, via Cintia, 80126 Napoli, Italy
| | - Palma Simoniello
- Department of Science and Technologies, University of Naples Parthenope, 80143 Napoli, Italy
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Motta CM, Tizzano M, Tagliafierro AM, Simoniello P, Panzuto R, Esposito L, Migliaccio V, Rosati L, Avallone B. Biocide triclosan impairs byssus formation in marine mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 241:388-396. [PMID: 29857307 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.05.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 04/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The effects of the biocide Triclosan, used in personal care products and known as a common environmental contaminant, on byssal apparatus were studied in the marine mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Experimental evidences indicated that an exposure for 7 days at a concentration of 10 μg/L induced marked alterations in the byssus gland resulting in a significant delay in byssus regrowth and in a decrease in threads resistance to traction. Such alterations in animals exposed to tidal and waves action would cause a significant loss in ecological fitness and severely impact on mussel survival. Triclosan release in coastal environments therefore should be more carefully monitored to prevent drastic consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Motta
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - M Tizzano
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - A M Tagliafierro
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - P Simoniello
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
| | - R Panzuto
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - L Esposito
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - V Migliaccio
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - L Rosati
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - B Avallone
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Avallone B, Cerciello R, Cretì P, Pizzoleo C, Scudiero R, Tizzano M, Panzuto R, Simoniello P, Montinari MR, Motta CM. Long term exposure to cadmium: Pathological effects on kidney tubules cells in Sparus aurata juveniles. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2017; 193:201-209. [PMID: 29096093 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2017.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The effects of an exposure to cadmium chloride 0.47μM for 150days were studied in kidneys of juveniles Sparus aurata by a multidisciplinary approach so to correlate uptake and detoxification potential to changes in brush border and glycocalyx sugar composition. Results demonstrated that cadmium concentration in kidney significantly increased from day 30 reaching a plateau on day 120 while metallothioneins reached a peak on day 90 and by day 120 were already decreasing to control values. Cytological damage was extensive on day 90, clearly detectable at both structural and ultrastructural levels, in tubular cells and brush-border. Staining with a panel of four lectins revealed a significant increase in N-Ac-Gal and a decrease in mannose in the glycocalyx and the tubular basal membranes. From day 120, when cadmium concentration was high and metallothionein concentration decreasing, a clear recovery was observed in tubular cells morphology and sugar composition. Possible significance of these apparently contrasting data are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bice Avallone
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, 80134, Italy
| | - Raimondo Cerciello
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, 80134, Italy
| | - Patrizia Cretì
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Carmela Pizzoleo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, 80134, Italy
| | - Rosaria Scudiero
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, 80134, Italy
| | - Monica Tizzano
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, 80134, Italy
| | - Raffaele Panzuto
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, 80134, Italy
| | - Palma Simoniello
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Naples Parthenope, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Montinari
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Chiara M Motta
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, 80134, Italy.
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Scudiero R, Verderame M, Motta CM, Simoniello P. Unravelling the Role of Metallothionein on Development, Reproduction and Detoxification in the Wall Lizard Podarcis sicula. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18071569. [PMID: 28753953 PMCID: PMC5536057 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18071569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2017] [Revised: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Metallothioneins (MTs) are an evolutionary conserved multigene family of proteins whose role was initially identified in binding essential metals. The physiological role of MT, however, has been revealed to be more complex than expected, since not only are MTs able to bind to toxic heavy metals, but many isoforms have shown specialized and alternative functions. Within this uncertainty, the information available on MTs in non-mammalian vertebrates, particularly in neglected tetrapods such as the reptiles, is even more scant. In this review, we provide a summary of the current understanding on metallothionein presence and function in the oviparous lizard Podarcis sicula, highlighting the results obtained by studying MT gene expression in most representative adult and embryonic tissues. The results demonstrate that in adults, cadmium induces MT transcription in a dose- and tissue-specific manner. Thus, the MT mRNAs appear, at least in some cases, to be an unsuitable tool for detecting environmental ion contamination. In early embryos, maternal RNAs sustain developmental needs for MT protein until organogenesis is well on its way. At this time, transcription starts, but again in a tissue- and organ-specific manner, suggesting an involvement in alternative roles. In conclusion, the spatiotemporal distribution of transcripts in adults and embryos definitively confirms that MT has deserved the title of elusive protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Scudiero
- Department of Biology, University Federico II, Via Mezzocannone 8, 80134 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Mariailaria Verderame
- Department of Biology, University Federico II, Via Mezzocannone 8, 80134 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Chiara Maria Motta
- Department of Biology, University Federico II, Via Mezzocannone 8, 80134 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Palma Simoniello
- Department of Sciences and Technology, University Parthenope, Centro Direzionale, Isola C4, 80143 Napoli, Italy.
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Verderame M, Limatola E, Scudiero R. Metallothionein expression and synthesis in the testis of the lizard Podarcis sicula under natural conditions and following estrogenic exposure. Eur J Histochem 2017; 61:2777. [PMID: 28735517 PMCID: PMC5641668 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2017.2777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Metallothionein (MT) is the main protein involved in the homeostasis of metallic micronutrients and in cellular defence against heavy metals and reactive oxygen species. Found in almost all vertebrate tissues, MT presence and localization in the testis has been controversial. In the present study, by using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analysis we assessed the localization of both MT transcript and protein in Podarcis sicula testes during two different phases of the reproductive cycle: the autumnal resumption and the springearly summer mating period. In addition, with the same methodological approach, we verified the effect of estradiol-1711and nonylphenol, a potent xenoestrogen, on MT expression and synthesis. These results, the first collected in a non-mammalian oviparous vertebrate, demonstrated that the expression profile of MT mRNA and protein changes during the reproductive cycle. In the fall resumption, MT transcripts are absent in spermatogonia and present in all the other cells of tubules, including spermatozoa; vice versa, the MT protein is evident only in spermatozoa and somatic cells. In the mating period, both MT transcripts and proteins are present in spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids, whereas in the spermatozoa only the proteins are detected, thus suggesting that the MTs translated in the earlier germinal stages are stored up to spermatozoa. Results also demonstrated that in lizard testis the expression of MT gene undergoes a cell-specific regulation after estrogenic exposure; the possible role and the mechanism by which this regulation occurs have been discussed.
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Retinoblastoma binding protein 6 and crystallin lambda 1 are cadmium-responsive genes in zebrafish embryos and adults retinae. C R Biol 2017; 340:197-203. [DOI: 10.1016/j.crvi.2017.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Expression of caspase 3 in ovarian follicle cells of the lizard Podarcis sicula. Cell Tissue Res 2016; 367:397-404. [PMID: 27718023 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-016-2506-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
In this study, our aim was to determine whether caspase 3 plays a role, during previtellogenesis, in the ovarian follicular epithelium of the lizard Podarcis sicula. We investigated the presence and localization of proform and active caspase 3 by enzyme assay, Western blotting and immunocytochemistry. In parallel, a fragment of caspase 3 was cloned for the first time in this species, sequenced and used for in situ hybridization to localize messengers and analysed by a phylogenetic survey to shed light on its homology with reptilian caspases. Results demonstrated that: (1) the follicle cells expressed a caspase of the 3/7 group and the mRNA for caspase 3 was transcribed in the stem phase and was completely translated during cell differentiation; (2) the proform protein was stored during the differentiated (nurse) stage and activated at the end of previtellogenesis provoking the degeneration of cells; (3) the predicted protein sequence, although partial, had a strong similarity with the known reptilian caspases 3. The epithelial cells of the ovarian follicle, therefore, do not employ caspase 3 during the nurse stage but, instead, prepare for apoptosis long before the process actually begins. The relevance of this strategy is discussed.
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Simoniello P, Esposito MG, Trinchella F, Motta CM, Scudiero R. Alterations in brain morphology and HSP70 expression in lizard embryos exposed to thermal stress. C R Biol 2016; 339:380-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.crvi.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Revised: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Baurand PE, Pedrini-Martha V, de Vaufleury A, Niederwanger M, Capelli N, Scheifler R, Dallinger R. Differential expression of metallothionein isoforms in terrestrial snail embryos reflects early life stage adaptation to metal stress. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0116004. [PMID: 25706953 PMCID: PMC4338057 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0116004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of three metallothionein (MT) isoform genes (CdMT, CuMT and Cd/CuMT), already known from adults, in the Early Life Stage (ELS) of Cantareus aspersus. This was accomplished by detection of the MT isoform-specific transcription adopting Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification and quantitative Real Time (qRT)-PCR of the three MT genes. Freshly laid eggs were kept for 24 hours under control conditions or exposed to three cadmium (Cd) solutions of increasing concentration (5, 10, and 15 mg Cd/L). The transcription of the three MT isoform genes was detected via PCR in 1, 6 and 12-day-old control or Cd-exposed embryos. Moreover, the transcription of this isoform genes during development was followed by qRT-PCR in 6 and 12-day-old embryos. Our results showed that the CdMT and Cd/CuMT genes, but not the CuMT gene, are expressed in embryos at the first day of development. The transcription of the 3 MT genes in control embryos increased with development time, suggesting that the capacities of metal regulation and detoxification may have gradually increased throughout embryogenesis. However in control embryos, the most highly expressed MT gene was that of the Cd/CuMT isoform, whose transcription levels greatly exceeded those of the other two MT genes. This contrasts with the minor significance of this gene in adult snails and suggests that in embryos, this isoform may play a comparatively more important role in metal physiology compared to adult individuals. This function in adult snails appears not to be related to Cd detoxification. Instead, snail embryos responded to Cd exposure by over-expression of the CdMT gene in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas the expression of the Cd/CuMT gene remained unaffected. Moreover, our study demonstrates the ability of snail embryos to respond very early to Cd exposure by up-regulation of the CdMT gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-Emmanuel Baurand
- Chrono-Environnement, UMR 6249 University of Franche-Comté, 16 route de Gray, 25030, Besançon cedex, France
| | - Veronika Pedrini-Martha
- Institute of Zoology, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstraße 25, A-6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Annette de Vaufleury
- Chrono-Environnement, UMR 6249 University of Franche-Comté, 16 route de Gray, 25030, Besançon cedex, France
- Department of Health Safety Environment, avenue des Rives du Lac, BP179, 70003, Vesoul cedex, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Michael Niederwanger
- Institute of Zoology, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstraße 25, A-6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Nicolas Capelli
- Chrono-Environnement, UMR 6249 University of Franche-Comté, 16 route de Gray, 25030, Besançon cedex, France
| | - Renaud Scheifler
- Chrono-Environnement, UMR 6249 University of Franche-Comté, 16 route de Gray, 25030, Besançon cedex, France
| | - Reinhard Dallinger
- Institute of Zoology, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstraße 25, A-6020, Innsbruck, Austria
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Zhang J, Wang J, Gui T, Sun Z, Xiang J. A copper-induced metallothionein gene from Exopalaemon carinicauda and its response to heavy metal ions. Int J Biol Macromol 2014; 70:246-50. [PMID: 24971556 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2014.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Revised: 05/21/2014] [Accepted: 06/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A full-length copper-induced metallothionein (EcMT-Cu) cDNA was obtained from Exopalaemon carinicauda (Holthuis) and it contained a 198 bp open reading frame that encoded a peptide with 65 amino acid residues. Twenty-one cysteines were found in deduced amino acid sequence and the cysteine (Cys)-rich characteristic was also reported in different types of metallothioneins from other species. EcMT-Cu mRNA expression profile showed that it is the hepatopancreas specific gene. The expression of EcMT-Cu was extremely different when shrimp were exposed to seawater containing 50 μM CuSO4 or 2.5 μM CdCl2. The expression of EcMT-Cu in shrimp was significantly up-regulated at 12 and 24 h after exposure to CuSO4, however, its expression was not induced compared to that of pretreatment (p>0.05) when shrimp were exposed to CdCl2. The transcript of EcMT-Cu was found to be extremely low at gastrula and nauplius stage and expression of EcMT-Cu could be detected from egg protozoa stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiquan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China.
| | - Jing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100039 China
| | - Tianshu Gui
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100039 China
| | - Zheng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Jianhai Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China
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Simoniello P, Motta CM, Scudiero R, Trinchella F, Filosa S. Cadmium-induced teratogenicity in lizard embryos: correlation with metallothionein gene expression. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2011; 153:119-27. [PMID: 20888429 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2010.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2010] [Revised: 09/20/2010] [Accepted: 09/23/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Cadmium teratogenic effects and metallothionein expression were studied in tissues of lizard embryos at different stages of development. Incubation of eggs in cadmium contaminated soil had no effect on embryo survival, but strongly affected cranial morphogenesis. Cytological analyses demonstrated abnormalities in the development of proencephalic vesicles, mesencephalon and eyes. No defects were observed in somite or limb development. Northern blot analysis demonstrated that MT expression was much stronger in embryos developed in cadmium contaminated soil. In situ hybridization showed an early induction of MT gene expression in developing liver and gut, whereas in brain and eyes the spatial and temporal localization of MT transcripts did not change. A possible correlation between inability to induce MT expression and abnormalities observed in the head region of lizard developing embryos is suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palma Simoniello
- Department of Biological Sciences, Evolutionary and Comparative Section, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
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