Fecundity changes induced by low-doses of gamma radiation on Biomphalaria straminea (Dunker, 1848)

ABSTRACT

A population of 420 snails Biomphalaria straminea, an intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni, received gamma-rays obtained from a 60 Co source in low-doses (0/2,5/5/7,5/10/15/20 and 25 Gy); half population was kept in colonies (allowing cross fertilization) and other half was mantained in sexual isolation (alowing self fertilization). Results showed that 15 Gy stimulates the fertility of both groups but the colonies were more sensitive and at this dose its fertility overpasses the control group dose. The possible hormonal role played in the observed phenomena is under investigation.