Prolonged phenanthrene exposure reduces cardiac function but fails to mount a significant oxidative stress response in the signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus). (April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ainerua, Martins Oshioriamhe; Tinwell, Jake; Murphy, Rory; Galli, Gina L.J.; van Dongen, Bart E.; White, Keith N.; Shiels, Holly A.
• Is Part Of: Chemosphere. Volume 268(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-04
• Subjects: Poly aromatic hydrocarbons -- Invertebrates -- Crustacea -- Freshwater indicator species -- Action potential -- Electrocardiogram (ECG) -- Bioaccumulation; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Atmospheric chemistry -- Periodicals; 551.511
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.129297
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-6535

Abstract

Abstract: Crustaceans are important ecosystem bio-indicators but their response to pollutants such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) remains understudied, particularly in freshwater habitats. Here we investigated the effect of phenanthrene (at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mg L −1 ), a 3-ringed PAH associated with petroleum-based aquatic pollution on survival, in vivo and in situ cardiac performance, the oxidative stress response and the tissue burden in the signal crayfish ( Pacifastacus leniusculus ). Non-invasive sensors were used to monitor heart rate during exposure. Phenanthrene reduced maximum attainable heart rate in the latter half (days 8–15) of the exposure period but had no impact on routine heart rate. At the end of the 15-day exposure period, the electrical activity of the semi-isolated in situ crayfish heart was assessed and significant prolongation of the QT interval of the electrocardiogram was observed. Enzyme pathways associated with oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase and total oxyradical scavenging capacity) were also assessed after 15 days of phenanthrene exposure in gill, hepatopancreas and skeletal muscle; the results suggest limited induction of protective antioxidant pathways. Lastly, we report that 15 days exposure caused a dose-dependent increase in phenanthrene in hepatopancreas and heart tissues which was associated with reduced survivability. To our knowledge, this study is the first to provide such a thorough understanding of the impact of phenanthrene on a crustacean. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: The 3 ring PAH phenanthrene is common in freshwater systems but its impact on the hearts of crustaceans is unknown. 15-day phenanthrene exposure impairs maximum heart rate and impacts the electrocardiogram of the signal crayfish. Phenanthrene induces a limited and tissue-specific response in antioxidant enzymes activity. Phenanthrene bioaccumulates and decreases survival, possibly due to reduced cardiac function and limited antioxidant defense.