Toxic effects of cadmium on reproduction, development, and hatching in the freshwater snail Lymnaea stagnalis for water quality monitoring.

The freshwater snail Lymnaea stagnalis was exposed to cadmium concentrations of 0, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 microgram liter-1. The influence of this highly toxic metal on various stages of reproduction (number of egg masses, number of eggs, embryo development, and hatching) was studied. Egg production ceased at 400 microgram Cd2+ liter-1 and hatching was reduced to 0.

Cross-reactivity between terrestrial snails (Helix species) and house-dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus). I. In vivo study.

Clinical reports have suggested an unusual frequency in the number of patients with food allergy to snails who are also allergic to the house-dust mite (HDM). As allergy to HDM is one of the most frequent sensitizations in atopic patients of Western countries, evaluation of the relevance of the concomitant sensitization to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and to snails is an important consideration. To evaluate the responsibility of different snail components and of snail mites for inducing in vivo hypersensitivity in patients allergic to HDM, the in vivo reactivity of patients with clinical symptoms after ingestion of snails was assessed by skin prick tests with extracts and hemolymph from four different Helix species snails, and extracts from the snail parasitic mite, Riccardoella limacum.

Comparison of the bioaccumulation capacities of copper and zinc in two snail subspecies (Helix).

Bioaccumulation analyses of copper and zinc were carried out in two snail subspecies (Helix aspersa aspersa and Helix aspersa maxima) after 3 months of controlled farming (out of ground) with foods of different formulations. The results reveal some clear interspecific differences in affinity toward copper and zinc. For the two metals considered, H.

Dose-dependent effects of cadmium on the growth of snails in toxicity bioassays.

The effects on survival and growth of exposure to cadmium (Cd) in the food were analyzed in juvenile snails (age one month, mean weight 1 g) of the two subspecies Helix aspersa aspersa (H.a.a.

[Effects of heavy metals on snail development. Use of snails as bio-indicators of heavy metal pollution for the preservation of human health].

The use of snails as biological indicators is particularly appropriate for metals, which they accumulate in their organs. The aim of the present experiment was to carry out a rigorous experimentation in the laboratory and in the wild in order to develop a methodology for the use of snails at a known stage of growth that would give precise information on the toxicity of heavy metals for different concentrations and durations of exposure. We have developed a test of toxicity based on the effects of a noxious and carcinogenic element, cadmium, on the land-snail Helix aspersa aspersa (H.