Histological and biochemical responses of biomphalaria Alexandrina to tributyltin and the plants dodonaea viscosa and haplophyllum tuberculatum

ABSTRACT

Tribulyltin and methanol extract of Dodonaea Viscosa and Haplophyllum tuberculatum plants were tested as molluscicidal agents against Biomphalaria alexandrina snails. In addition, the effect of tributyltin and the two tested plants on the survival rate, egg production, the hatchability of eggs and hermaphrodite glands of B. alexandrina snails was carried out. The results indicated that exposure of B. alexandrina to tributyltin and the tested plants led to a significant reduction in their survival rate, egg production and hatchability of their eggs. This was confirmed by histological examination that showed a severe damage in the hermaphrodite gland cells of treated snails. In addition, tributyltin and methanol extract of D. Viscosa and H. tuberculatum had qualitative and quantitative effect on the protein patterns of snail's hermaphrodite gland. The electrophoretic pattern of the native proteins revealed difference in the number and molecular weights of protein bands compared to the control snails. It was concluded that tribulyltin and the tested plants might be helpful in snail control as they interfere with the snail's biology and physiology