Temporal variations in metallothionein concentration and subcellular distribution of metals in gills and digestive glands of the oyster Crassostrea angulata

Authors

  • Chiara Trombini Instituto de Ciencias Marinas de Andalucía (CSIC)
  • Elena Fabbri Interdisciplinary Centre for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRSA), University of Bologna
  • Julián Blasco Instituto de Ciencias Marinas de Andalucía (CSIC)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3989/scimar.2010.74s1143

Keywords:

metallothionein, metals, subcellular distribution, River Guadalquivir estuary, mining accident, Crassostrea angulata

Abstract


The metallothionein levels and metal concentrations in whole body, digestive gland and gills of Crassostrea angulata were analyzed in field samples collected from the River Guadalquivir estuary over several years following a mining waste spill upstream. The subcellular distribution of metals was analyzed to determine the mechanisms involved in the detoxification process. The highest metallothionein levels were reported in the digestive gland shortly after the mining contamination event. In this organ, metals are stored preferentially in the non-cytosolic fraction when increased bioaccumulation takes place. In the cytosol of the gills, metals are associated with metallothionein, whereas in the digestive gland, the distribution of metals between metallothioneins and high molecular weight proteins is similar. Metallothionein variation cannot be explained by metals alone; other abiotic factors must be taken into account. In order to use metallothionein as a metal exposure biomarker in field studies, natural variability needs to be taken into account for the correct interpretation of results.

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Published

2010-12-30

How to Cite

1.
Trombini C, Fabbri E, Blasco J. Temporal variations in metallothionein concentration and subcellular distribution of metals in gills and digestive glands of the oyster Crassostrea angulata. Sci. mar. [Internet]. 2010Dec.30 [cited 2024Mar.28];74(S1):143-52. Available from: https://scientiamarina.revistas.csic.es/index.php/scientiamarina/article/view/1227

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