Analysis of X-ray irradiation effects on the mortality values and hemolymph immune cell composition of Apis mellifera and its parasite, Varroa destructor.

Varroa destructor is one of the most destructive enemies of the honey bee, Apis mellifera all around the world. Several control methods are known to control V. destructor, but the efficacy of several alternative control methods remains unexplored. Irradiation can be one of these unknown solutions but before practical application, the effectiveness, and the physiological effects of ionizing radiation on the host and the parasite are waiting to be tested. Therefore, the objective of our study was to investigate the effects of different doses (15, 50, 100, and 150 Gy) of high-energy X-ray irradiation through mortality rates and hemocyte composition changes in A. mellifera workers and record the mortality rates of the parasite. The mortality rate was recorded during short-term (12, 24, and 48 h) and long-term periods (3, 6, 12, 18, and 24d). The sensitivity of the host and the parasite in case of the higher doses of radiation tested (50, 100, and 150 Gy) been demonstrated by total mortality of the host and 90 % of its parasite has been observed on the 18th day after the irradiation. V. destructor showed higher sensitivity (1.52-times higher than the adult honey bee workers) at the lowest dose (15 Gy). A. mellifera hemocytes were influenced significantly by radiation dosage and the elapsed time after treatment. The higher radiation doses increased plasmatocyte numbers in parallel with the decrease in prohemocyte numbers. On the contrary, the numbers of granulocytes and oencoytes increased in the treated samples, but the putative effects of the different dosages on the recorded number of these hemocyte types could not be statistically proven. In summary, based on the outcome of our study X-ray irradiation can be deemed an effective tool for controlling phoretic V. destructor. However, further research is needed to understand the physiological response of the affected organisms.

Cellular and molecular complementary immune stress markers for the model species Dreissena polymorpha.

This study aimed to combine cellular and molecular analyses for better detail the effects of various stresses on a sentinel species of freshwater invertebrate. For this purpose, the hemocytes of the zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, were exposed to different stresses at two different intensities, high or low: chemical (cadmium and ionomycin), physical (ultraviolet B), or biological ones (Cryptosporidium parvum and Toxoplasma gondii). After exposure, flow cytometry and droplet digital PCR analyses were performed on the same pools of hemocytes. Several responses related to necrosis, apoptosis, phagocytosis, production of nitric oxide and expression level of several genes related to the antioxidant, detoxification and immune systems were evaluated. Results showed that hemocyte integrity was compromised by both chemical and physical stress, and cellular markers of phagocytosis reacted to ionomycin and protozoa. While cadmium induced oxidative stress and necrosis, ionomycin tends to modulate the immune response of hemocytes. Although both biological stresses led to a similar immune response, C. parvum oocysts induced more effects than T. gondii, notably through the expression of effector caspases gene and an increase in hemocyte necrosis. This suggests different management of the two protozoa by the cell. This work provides new knowledge of biomarkers in the zebra mussel, at both cellular and molecular levels, and contributes to elucidate the mechanisms of action of different kinds of stress in this species.

Effect of cobalt-60 gamma radiation on total hemocyte content and biochemical parameters in Macrobrachium rosenbergii (De Man, 1879).

Purpose: The effect of low level cobalt-60 (60Co) gamma radiation on the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii was evaluated by observing their hemocyte counts and biochemical parameters. Materials and methods: Prawns were exposed to 3, 30, 300 and 3000 milligray (mGy) dose levels and their tissues of gills, hepatopancreas and muscle were analyzed. Results: The results showed that the number of hemocytes in the hemolymph and concentrations of protein and carbohydrate were significantly reduced in irradiated groups than compared to the control prawn. Increased aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Acetyl choline esterase (AChE) in the irradiated groups reflects tissue damage. Conclusions: Hence, this study concludes that even low level of ionizing radiation (60Co gamma) can cause acute damages in gills, hepatopancreas and muscles in irradiated groups. Highlights 60Co exposures effect the THC and biochemical of prawn M. rosenbergii. Different dose levels such as 3, 30, 300 and 3000 mGy. Biochemical parameters serve as reliable indicators of physical status of organism. Self-regulating mechanisms might be the reason for preventing from the lethality. Suggested that nuclear industries should manage below 3 mGy.

Conservation and divergence of mitochondrial apoptosis pathway in the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas.

Apoptosis is considered a crucial part of the host defense system in oysters according to previous reports; however, the exact process by which this occurs remains unclear. Besides, mitochondrial apoptosis is the primary method of apoptosis in vertebrate cells, but has been poorly studied in invertebrates and is quite controversial. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism of mitochondrial apoptosis in the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas. Notably, we show that most key elements involved in the vertebrate mitochondrial apoptosis pathway - including mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization, cytochrome c release, and caspase activation - are also present in C. gigas. In contrast, the lack of Bcl-2 homology 3-only subfamily members and apoptotic protease activating factor-1 (APAF-1) protein revealed evolutionary diversity from other phyla. Our results support that mitochondrial apoptosis in animals predates the emergence of vertebrates, but suggest that an unexpectedly diverse mitochondrial apoptosis pathway may exist in invertebrates. In addition, our work provided new clues for an improved understanding of how bivalve acclimate themselves to an inconstant environment.

Characterization of Oyster Voltage-Dependent Anion Channel 2 (VDAC2) Suggests Its Involvement in Apoptosis and Host Defense.

Genomic and transcriptomic studies have revealed a sophisticated and powerful apoptosis regulation network in oyster, highlighting its adaptation to sessile life in a highly stressful intertidal environment. However, the functional molecular basis of apoptosis remains largely unexplored in oysters. In this study, we focused on a representative apoptotic gene encoding voltage-dependent anion channel 2 (VDAC2), a porin that abounds at the mitochondrial outer membrane. This is the first report on the identification and characterization of a VDAC gene in the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas (CgVDAC2). The full length of CgVDAC2 was 1,738 bp with an open reading frame of 843 bp that encoded a protein of 281 amino acids. A four-element eukaryotic porin signature motif, a conserved ATP binding motif, and a VKAKV-like sequence were identified in the predicted CgVDAC2. Expression pattern analysis in different tissues and developmental stages as well as upon infection by ostreid herpesvirus 1 revealed the energy supply-related and immunity-related expression of CgVDAC2. CgVDAC2 was co-localized with mitochondria when it was transiently transfected into HeLa cells. Overexpression of CgVDAC2 in HEK293T cells suppressed the UV irradiation-induced apoptosis by inhibiting the pro-apoptotic function of CgBak. RNA interference induced reduction in CgVDAC2 expression showed a promoted apoptosis level upon UV light irradiation in hemocytes. The yeast two-hybrid system and co-immunoprecipitation assay indicated a direct interaction between CgVDAC2 and the pro-apoptotic protein CgBak. This study revealed the function of VDAC2 in oyster and provided new insights into its involvement in apoptosis modulation and host defense in mollusks.

Induction of apoptosis by UV in the flat oyster, Ostrea edulis.

Apoptosis is a fundamental feature in the development of many organisms and tissue systems. It is also a mechanism of host defense against environmental stress factors or pathogens by contributing to the elimination of infected cells. Hemocytes play a key role in defense mechanisms in invertebrates and previous studies have shown that physical or chemical stress can increase apoptosis in hemocytes in mollusks. However this phenomenon has rarely been investigated in bivalves especially in the flat oyster Ostrea edulis. The apoptotic response of hemocytes from flat oysters, O. edulis, was investigated after exposure to UV and dexamethasone, two agents known to induce apoptosis in vertebrates. Flow cytometry and microscopy were combined to demonstrate that apoptosis occurs in flat oyster hemocytes. Investigated parameters like intracytoplasmic calcium activity, mitochondrial membrane potential and phosphatidyl-serine externalization were significantly modulated in cells exposed to UV whereas dexamethasone only induced an increase of DNA fragmentation. Morphological changes were also observed on UV-treated cells using fluorescence microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Our results confirm the apoptotic effect of UV on hemocytes of O. edulis and suggest that apoptosis is an important mechanism developed by the flat oyster against stress factors.

Effects of (60)Co gamma irradiation on behavior and gill histoarchitecture of giant fresh water prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii (DE MAN).

Present study was designed to observe the effects of (60)Co gamma radiation in behavioral and histological changes in the gills of giant fresh water prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii. The adult prawns were irradiated with four different dose levels (3mGy, 30mGy, 300mGy and 3000mGy) and the control group (without irradiation) was maintained separately. Behavioral changes like hyperactivity, loss of balance, reduced swimming rate, slower rate of food intake and convulsions were observed in higher dose levels of 300mGy and 3000mGy. The histological alterations such as accumulated haemocytes in haemocoelic spaces, abnormal gill tips, lifted lamellar epithelium, swollen and fused lamellae, hyperplasic, necrotic, clavate-globate and complete disorganization of lamellae were observed in (60)Co gamma irradiated prawns. Significantly more considerable histological alterations were observed in the highest dose level of 3000mGy, but no mortality was evidenced. This study serves as biomonitoring tool to assess the radiation pollution in the aquatic environment.

Cryopreservation and storage of mussel (Mytilus spp.) haemocytes for latent analysis by the Comet assay.

Estuarine and coastal habitats are known to be polluted by a range of chemical contaminants from both industrial and domestic sources. Blue mussels (Mytilus spp.), which inhabit these areas, are widely used as bio-indicators in eco-toxicological studies, because of their sedentary nature and their ability to bio-accumulate contaminants. The analysis of DNA damage in mussel haemocytes is a valuable tool for biomonitoring but sampling issues related to storage, handling and transportation have often limited its application in large-scale monitoring programmes. This study uses a trial and error method to evaluate and validate a suitable protocol for cryopreservation of mussel haemocytes, thereby allowing material collected in the field to be analysed later under controlled laboratory conditions. Three different cell-culture media, i.e. Leibovitz-15, Hank's balanced salt solution and mussel physiological saline, along with four different cryoprotectants, i.e. dimethyl sulphoxide (10% and 20%), 1,2-propanediol (10%), ethylene glycol (10%) and glycerol (10%) were tested to assess their suitability for cryopreservation of mussel haemocytes for analysis in the comet assay. Experimental studies where mussel haemocytes were also exposed to UV radiation or benzo(a)pyrene were conducted in order to mimic environmental stresses and to verify the effectiveness of newly defined cryopreservation protocols. The comet assay was used to demonstrate that mussel haemocytes could be preserved at cryogenic temperatures for a month without altering levels of DNA damage, which could possibly be used for lab or field studies where time constraints or facilities do not allow instant analysis.

[Interpopulation defferences in parameters of hemocyte DNA-comets of snail Lymnaea stagnalis from regions with the different environmental load].

The research of hemocytes of snail Lymnaea stagnalis from regions with different environmental load has been carried out by means of DNA-comet assay. Significant interpopulation distinctions in parameters of hemocytes DNA comets, and also significant differences of sensitivity of hemocyte genetic matherial in snails form different ecological zones to the influence of external damaging factors (in particular, heavy metals) have been revealed by means of the software analysis of hemocyte DNA-comet images. Since the two populations of mollusks are characterized by high genetic identity, the different levels of proliferative processes in hemocytes of snail Lymnaea stagnalis from different ecological zones (that we revealed using the comet assay) may act as an indicator of the intensity of damaging effects and environmental quality.

Schnurri regulates hemocyte function to promote tissue recovery after DNA damage.

Tissue recovery after injury requires coordinated regulation of cell repair and apoptosis, removal of dead cells and regeneration. A critical step in this process is the recruitment of blood cells that mediate local inflammatory and immune responses, promoting tissue recovery. Here we identify a new role for the transcriptional regulator Schnurri (Shn) in the recovery of UV-damaged Drosophila retina. Using an experimental paradigm that allows precise quantification of tissue recovery after a defined dose of UV, we find that Shn activity in the retina is required to limit tissue damage. This function of Shn relies on its transcriptional induction of the PDGF-related growth factor Pvf1, which signals to tissue-associated hemocytes. We show that the Pvf1 receptor PVR acts in hemocytes to induce a macrophage-like morphology and that this is required to limit tissue loss after irradiation. Our results identify a new Shn-regulated paracrine signaling interaction between damaged retinal cells and hemocytes that ensures recovery and homeostasis of the challenged tissue.

Proposal of an in vivo comet assay using haemocytes of Drosophila melanogaster.

This study presents the first application of an in vivo alkaline comet assay using haemocytes of Drosophila melanogaster larvae. These cells, which play a role similar to that of mammalian blood, can be easily obtained and represent an overall exposure of the treated larvae. To validate the assay, we evaluated the response of these cells to three well-known mutagenic agents: ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS), potassium dichromate (PD), and gamma radiation (γ-irradiation). Third-instar Drosophila larvae were exposed to different concentrations of EMS (1, 2, and 4 mM) and PD (0.5, 1, and 2.5 mM) and to different doses of γ-irradiation (2, 4, and 8 Gγ). Subsequently, haemolymph was extracted from the larvae, and haemocytes were isolated by centrifugation and used in the comet assay. Haemocytes exhibited a significant dose-related increase in DNA damage, indicating that these cells are clearly sensitive to the treatments. These results suggest that the proposed in vivo comet test, using larvae haemocytes of D. melanogaster, may be a useful in vivo assay for genotoxicity assessment.

Genotoxic effects of two nickel-compounds in somatic cells of Drosophila melanogaster.

In view of the scarcely available information on the in vivo mutagenic and co-mutagenic activity of nickel, the genotoxic potential of two nickel-compounds, nickel chloride (NiCl(2)) and nickel sulphate (NiSO(4)), was assessed in Drosophila melanogaster by measuring two different genetic endpoints. On the one hand, we used the wing-spot assay, which is based on the principle that the loss of heterozygosity of two suitable recessive markers, multiple wing hairs (mwh) and flare-3 (flr(3)), can lead to the formation of mutant clones in the imaginal disks of larval cells. On the other hand, the in vivo comet assay, which detects single- and double-strand DNA breaks, was also used with larval haemocytes. These cells offer several advantages: they are highly sensitive to genotoxic agents, the sampling and processing methodologies are quite simple and the level of basal DNA damage is relatively low. No significant increases in the frequencies of the three categories of mutant spots (i.e. small single spots, large single spots, and twin spots) were observed in the wing-spot assay; however, NiSO(4) induced significant dose-dependent increases in DNA damage in the comet assay. In addition, the combined treatments with gamma-radiation and NiCl(2) and NiSO(4) showed a slight but significant increase in the frequency of the three categories of mutant spots compared with the frequency induced by gamma-radiation alone, indicating that both nickel compounds have a synergistic interaction. These results support the assumption that both nickel compounds could act as co-mutagens interfering with DNA-repair processes and that the in vivo comet assay is a sensitive and effective method for detecting the DNA damage induced by NiSO(4) in haemocytes of D. melanogaster.

Effect of gamma-irradiation on the biology and ultrastructure of haemocytes of greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Galleridae).

This study was carried out on fully grown pupae of greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella L., gamma-irradiated to 100, 150, 300 and 400Gy. The four doses given to male parents in the F(1) generation decreased the average number of eggs per mated female, the percentage of egg hatching and the percentage of mating in both the male and female lines; the effects increased with the dose. Dose dependence of the reduction in the fecundity and the percentage of egg hatching among the female line pairings (female descendants of irradiated parental male pupae) was more significant than among the male line pairings (male descendants of irradiated parental male pupae). We also examined morphological changes in the irradiated blood cells using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Vacuolization of the cytoplasm, disorganization and swelling of mitochondria were found.

DNA damage and repair in haemolymph cells of golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) exposed to environmental contaminants.

The development of methodologies for biomonitoring freshwater ecosystems is of particular relevance in view of the serious problem of aquatic environmental pollution. The mussel species Limnoperna fortunei (golden mussel) was chosen to be tested as a biomonitor organism based on its population data and distribution. L. fortunei individuals were exposed to UV radiation in vitro, and in vivo to pentachlorophenol (PCP) and copper sulphate (CuSO(4)), with the aim of standardizing comet assay and micronucleus test methodologies and evaluating the potential of this organism as a biomonitor. Haemolymph cells immobilized in agarose on slides exposed to UV radiation showed a dose-response relationship with maximum damage at 4.2 J/m(2). For the chemical tests, individuals were exposed for 2h for the comet assay and 24 and 48 h for the micronucleus test. A dose-response relationship was observed for both chemicals. 3x10(-5) M CuSO(4) induced high genotoxicity, also producing some toxicity after 48 h of exposure. PCP induced maximum damage in both assays at 150 µg/L. Individuals exposed to PCP showed 100% repair 2 h after the exposure period, as assessed by the comet assay. Exposure to an environmental sample over 7 days confirmed the mussel sensitivity to water contaminants, detected both by the comet assay and the micronucleus test. The results allow us to suggest the golden mussel as a potential biomonitor organism.

Are low doses of tritium genotoxic to Mytilus edulis?

The genotoxic effects of tritium (3H) in the adult life stage of Mytilus edulis have been evaluated by the induction of micronuclei (MN) and DNA single strand breaks/alkali labile sites (Comet assay) in the haemocytes of exposed individuals. Assays were optimised and validated using ethylmethane sulfonate (EMS) as a reference genotoxic agent over different exposure periods. M. edulis were exposed, for 96 h, to a range of concentrations of 3H equivalent to a dose range of 12-485 microGy h(-1). Results revealed a dose-dependent increase for both the MN and Comet assays, and for both EMS and 3H. Since less than 500 microGy h(-1) 3H is capable of inducing genetic damage, generic doses recommended by the IAEA for the protection of aquatic biota may be overestimated for some organisms.

Contribution of circulating hemocytes to the regeneration of heavy ion beams (12C5+) irradiated hematopoietic organs in the silkworm, Bombyx mori, through the way of phagocytosis of injured cells after invasion.

Heavy ion beam irradiation has promising effects on tumor therapy. Our previous study using the domesticated silkworm, Bombyx mori, showed that this irradiation could seriously damage larval hematopoietic organs but they would regenerate later. In the in vitro irradiation, most hemocytes died when hematopoietic organs and wing discs connected with epidermis were directionally irradiated from epidermis to hematopoietic organ and then cultured so as to exclude circulating hemocytes. A few hemocytes had escaped irradiation according to extremely low hematopoiesis in vitro. Almost no hemocytes could incorporate BrdU at 60 h after irradiation, with which living and proliferating hemocytes are also labeled. In the absence of circulating hemocytes, the irradiation-escaped hemocytes in the organs were not enough for cleaning all dead cells because lots of small dead bodies remained in situ post-irradiation. After irradiating hematopoietic organs in larvae (in vivo irradiation), only a few apoptotic cells were found when given the same length of recovery time, and most hemocytes maintained normal morphology. Many hemocytes incorporated BrdU when tested at the same time as the in vitro irradiation but this number was lower than that measured for control organs. Circulating hemocytes, labeled by fluorescent microbeads through phagocytosis before irradiation, were found to have invaded the in vivo irradiated hematopoietic organs where they help the irradiation-escaped hemocytes to clear dead cells in the process of regeneration. Hematopoiesis of the regenerated hematopoietic organs did not fully recover to the level of the control organs according to the number of hemocytes produced in tissue culture. Some of the released hemocytes obviously underwent apoptosis, suggesting a far-reaching bystander effect of carbon ion beams irradiation on hemocytes inside. From these results, it is suggested that, together with irradiation-escaped hemocytes, the invaded circulating hemocytes took part in the regeneration of heavy ion beams irradiated hematopoietic organs through the way of phagocytosis of injured hemocytes in vivo.

Effect of gamma radiation on the activity of hemocytes and on the course of Schistosoma mansoni infection in resistant Biomphalaria tenagophila snails.

High doses of gamma radiation (10 Krad) in Biomphalaria tenagophila snails (Taim strain), which have been found to be resistant to Schistosoma mansoni, were not sufficient to impair their resistance to the parasite. The number of hemocytes, as well as their phagocytic activity, were not affected by irradiation, thus showing resemblance with mammal macrophages, which are resistant to gamma irradiation also.

Applicability of radiosurgery with heavy ion beams to inactivate specific organs in living organisms.

It was the aim of the study to test the applicability of radiosurgery in inactivating a specific organ through local irradiation with heavy ion beams. Silkworms were exposed to whole-body or local irradiation with carbon ion beams ((12)C(5+), 18.3 MeV/u, range=1.1 mm). After irradiation at the wandering stage, no significant differences were observed regarding either survival or cocoon quality between locally irradiated larvae and controls. Only localized effects were seen, such as the deletion of wings and functional disorders of the reproduction primordium, depending on both irradiation dose and site. This observation was not true for whole-body irradiated larvae. After local irradiation of the hemopoietic organs at the 4th instar premolting stage, the hemocyte densities were clearly reduced and the hemopoietic organ capacity was disrupted. The change in hemocyte densities was accompanied by changes of hemolymph components. These results show that radiosurgery utilizing heavy ion beams can destroy a specific organ or tissue in a living organism.

[Hymenolepis nana var. fraterna (Cestoda: Hymenolepididae) in Leucophaea maderae (Dictyoptera: Blattidae): the host-parasite conflict after experimental inhibition of haemocytic reaction (author's transl)]. / Hymenolepis nana var. fraterna (Cestoda: Hymenolepididae) chez Leucophaea maderae (Dictyoptera: Blattidae): l'expression du conflit hôte-parasite après inhibition expérimentale de la réaction hémocytaire.

Development of non-encapsulated cysticercoids of Hymenolepis nana var. fraterna, in the haemocoele of Leucophaea maderae occured after the inhibition of the haemocytic reaction by irradiation or injection of a soluble antigen of Hymenolepis nana. Fine structure of the tegument of free larvae is observed and the mechanism of a possible defence of the parasite by the microvillar coat, discussed.