Validation of hsp70 stress gene expression as a marker of metal effects in Deroceras reticulatum (Pulmonata): Correlation with demographic parameters
- Univ. of Tuebingen (Germany)
- Univ. of Heidelberg (Germany). Zoological Inst.
- Univ. of Stuttgart-Hohenheim (Germany). Inst. for Zoology
The presence of a stress gene comprising a motif homologous to the hsp70 consensus sequence was proven for the grey garden slug, Deroceras reticulatum (Mueller). The induction of stress gene transcription (including mRNA stability) and the accumulation of the corresponding stress protein, Hsp70, was quantified in slugs exposed to cadmium- or zinc-enriched food for 2 to 3 weeks. To validate the suitability of these two aspects of the cellular stress response to act as early-warning markers for metal effects on life-history parameters, fecundity, offspring number, longevity, and mortality of slugs were recorded in life-cycle experiments. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and a standardized immunoblotting technique revealed higher sensitivity of changes in hsp70 transcription than stress protein accumulation in response to both metals. The elevation of the hsp70-mRNA level caused by short-term (14 d) metal exposure coincided with both diminished fecundity and reduced offspring production due to chronic metal exposure in terms of threshold concentrations for cadmium effects. As well, accumulation of Hsp70 after 3 weeks of exposure can be considered an early-warning signal for increased mortality when cadmium or zinc exposure is throughout the entire lifetime of the slugs.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 675440
- Journal Information:
- Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Vol. 17, Issue 11; Other Information: PBD: Nov 1998
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Induction of hsp70, hsp60, hsp83 and hsp26 and oxidative stress markers in benzene, toluene and xylene exposed Drosophila melanogaster: Role of ROS generation
High mobility group protein DSP1 negatively regulates HSP70 transcription in Crassostrea hongkongensis