Abstract
The metal accumulations and the corresponding enzymatic responses in the ascidian Styela clava (Herdman 1881) were investigated. S. clava were exposed to sublethal concentrations of cadmium (0.01, 0.05, 0.1 or 0.2 mg Cd l−1) for 40 days. The biochemical stress response of S. clava was studied taking into account superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), as well as lipid peroxidation (LPO) and total oxyradical scavenging capacity (TOSC). The present study confirms the presence of antioxidant enzymatic activity in the tissues of S. clava, reflecting a physiological adaptation to continuous metal exposure in their natural environment. Cd exposure induced a significant TOSC, SOD (cytosolic and mitochondrial), CAT and GPx activity promotion in ascidians. After several days of exposure, the decreased enzymatic activities during continuous Cd treatment may be a contributing factor for the observed increased level of oxyradicals and lower TOSC. Under high rates of input of free radicals, enzyme inactivation prevails and the enzymatic activities are reduced leading to autocatalysis of oxidative damage processes.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
