Changes in the lipid profile of Bradybaena similaris (Férussac, 1821) (Gastropoda, Xanthonychidae) during the development of Eurytrema coelomaticum (Giard and Billet, 1892) (Digenea, Dicrocoeliidae)

Abstract

The effect of experimental exposure of Bradybaena similaris by Eurytrema coelomaticum on the cholesterol and triglycerides total levels circulating in the hemolymph and the neutral lipids in the digestive gland–gonad (DGG) complex of the host snail were studied. In this study, snails were dissected after one, two, and three months of infection to collect the hemolymph and DGG to measure the cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels in the hemolymph and neutral lipid fractions in the tissues. The results for the hemolymph showed that the infection by this trematode resulted in a significant decrease in the concentrations of triacylglycerol during all periods analyzed, as well as, increase in the levels of cholesterol observed after the second and third months of study. This decrease suggests the possible use of triacylglycerol by both parasite and host as alternative substrate in maintaining their energy metabolisms. In parallel, the increase in the contents of cholesterol results from a severe cellular disorganization in snail, especially DGG, as a consequence of the intense plastic processes showed by parasite. Additionally, changes in the neutral lipid profile in the DGG of the infected snails were observed, indicating the importance of these molecules for successful infection.