Tributyltin retards regeneration and produces deformities of limbs in the fiddler crab, Uca pugilator.

Abstract

Treatment of fiddler crabs,Uca pugilator, with levels of tributyltin (TBT) as low as 0.5 μg/L during limb regeneration resulted in a retardation of the regenerative growth and a delay in ecdysis at the end of the regeneration process. Limbs regenerated in the presence of TBT showed a variety of deformities, primarily a curved appearance. This was particularly apparent in regenerated chelae, in which the dactyl curved away from, rather than towards, the pollex. The number of setae was reduced in limbs that regenerated in TBT, compared to those that regenerated in clean sea water. Those that regenerated in clean sea water had a reduced number of setae in comparison to intact limbs. The production of deformities in the regenerated limbs was the most sensitive response and is consistent with findings in other groups of organisms, in which TBT also produces morphological abnormalities.