Vitellogenin and Lipovitellin from the prawn Macrobrachium borellii as hydrocarbon pollution biomarker

García, C Fernando; Heras, Horacio

Vitellogenin and Lipovitellin from the prawn Macrobrachium borellii as hydrocarbon pollution biomarker

2012

García, C Fernando | Heras, Horacio

During reproduction vitellogenin (VTG) is transported to vitellogenic oocytes as a precursor of egg yolk lipovitellin (LV). As VTG synthesis is affected by environmental stressors, it is widely used as biomarker in endocrine disruption studies. However, it has seldom been employed to evaluate invertebrate hydrocarbon pollution. An ELISA with anti-LV antibody was developed to evaluate the impact of water-soluble fraction of crude oil (WSF) on Macrobrachium borellii vitellogenesis. Prawn VTG concentration was within the range reported for other crustaceans; LV values were positively correlated with gonadosomatic index (GSI). Females at different vitellogenic stages were exposed to a sub-lethal concentration of WSF for 7days. Exposed animals with GSI>7 increased their VTG and LV titer as compared to control organisms (190% and 140%, respectively). VTG levels in M. borellii were upregulated and highly sensitive to WSF exposure. This assay could be employed as a biomarker for freshwater hydrocarbon pollution.

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