The Influence of Copper Ions on Cellular Elements of the Coelomic Fluid of Starfish Asterias Rubens L.

Abstract

This paper is devoted to studying the effect of copper ions on the number and ratio of various subpopulations and functional properties of cells in the coelomic fluid of the starfish Asterias rubens. The experiments were carried out at the White Sea Biological Station named after N.A. Pertsov of the Faculty of Biology of Moscow State University. Starfish were exposed for 96 h to copper chloride (II) in concentrations of Cu2 + ions 0.78, 1.95, and 3.91 μM in aquariums. The number of coelomocytes was significantly increased in starfish kept in aquariums with a maximum concentration of copper ions. The distribution of cell subpopulations was also changed. The proportion of small cells increased from 9 to 15.5%, that of agranulocytes increased from 61 to 75%, and that of granulocytes decreased from 30 to 8.5%. Expression of stress-induced proteins 70 (HSC70/HSP70 ) that was determined by Western blot analysis increased in starfish in all experimental aquariums. The viability of the isolated coelomocytes estimated by the absorption of neutral red (NR) dye increased in starfish in experimental aquariums with copper ion concentrations of 0.78 and 1.95 μM as compared with the control. However, at the concentration of 3.91 μM, NR absorption drastically decreased. Taken together, it was shown that A. rubens responded to the exposure to copper (II) ions by increasing the number of circulating coelomocytes and enhancing the proportion of phagocytes subpopulation. It presumably may serve as a compensatory mechanism in response to the toxic effect of copper (II).