Cellular and molecular stress indicators as tools to assess effects and side-effects of chemicals in slugs

摘要

Examples are presented for the application of molecular and cellular biomarkers (stress proteins, ultrastructural pathology, histopathology) in slugs exposed to either heavy metals (lead or cadmium) or to an iron-containing molluscicide (Ferramol). Stress proteins (hsp 70) were shown to be very sensitive but relatively unspecific indicators for proteotoxic stress. They provided information on the stress status of an organism within a few hours and are useful for a quick gross screening of sublethal stress. Histological and cytological investigations gave more specific and detailed information on effects and/or side-effects of chemicals on cellular targets and contributed to a better understanding of the mode of action of chemicals in snails and slugs. The combined application of molecular and cellular biomarkers was useful in interpreting accumulation data for metals or metal compounds with respect to their toxicity for slugs.