Abstract
Ultraviolet radiation is known to be highly variable in aquatic ecosystems. It has been suggested that UV-exposed organisms may demonstrate enough phenotypic plasticity to maintain the relative fitness of natural populations. Our long-term objective is to determine the potential photoprotective effect of vitamin D3 on Daphnia pulex exposed to acute or chronic UV radiation. Herein we report our initial findings in this endeavor. D. pulex survival and reproduction (fitness) was monitored for 5 d as a proof of concept study. Significantly higher fitness was observed in the D. pulex with D3 than those without (most extreme effects observed were 0% survival in the absence of D3 and 100% with 10 ppm D3). Vitamin D3 was isolated from the culture media, the algal food (Pseudokirchneriella), and the D. pulex and quantified using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Vitamin D3 was fluorescently labeled using a phenothiazinium dye and added to cultures of D. pulex. Images demonstrating the uptake of D3 into the tissues and carapace of the D. pulex were acquired. Our initial findings suggest a positive role for D3 in ecosystems as both UV-stressed algae and Daphnia sequester D3, and D. pulex demonstrate increased fitness in the presence of D3.
Highlights
Decreased stratospheric ozone has historically altered the ultraviolet radiation (UVR) penetration of the atmosphere [1] and current elevated UVR conditions are likely to persist at least through mid century [2]
This study explores the possible mitigation of UVR-induced damage in Daphnia pulex in the presence of vitamin D3–on the basis that D3 will contribute to the overall fitness of the organism through its uptake directly and/or doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0131847.g001
With vitamin D3 and UV-A-exposed D. pulex, survival during the experimental period was not linearly correlated to the concentration of D3, but rather D3 has a maximum effectiveness on survival at intermediate doses, and may be detrimental in higher doses to the fecundity of the Daphnia
Summary
Decreased stratospheric ozone has historically altered the ultraviolet radiation (UVR) penetration of the atmosphere [1] and current elevated UVR conditions are likely to persist at least through mid century [2]. DNA is thought to be the primary target of UVR damage and induction of damage in DNA is linearly related to UVR exposure (dose) in isolated DNA [3], but has been more recently associated with overall physiological effects in multiple organisms, PLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0131847. Daphnia Acclimation to UV with Vitamin D. Science Daniel Pasto Award; the RIT Office of Sponsored Research Sponsored Research Grants; the RIT School of Chemistry and Materials Science; the Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences; and the National Science Foundation Major Research Instrumentation Program (#1126629). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript
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