Variation in toxicity of copper pyrithione among populations and families of the barnacle, Balanus amphitrite.

Inter- and intra-population variation in the toxicity of the antifouling biocide copper pyrithione (CuPT) was examined for nauplius larvae of the barnacle Balanus amphitrite. Nauplii were collected from brooding adults from four sites within the Newport River estuary (NC), chosen based on an initial estimation of recent and historical human activities that affect local contamination levels. Each site was characterized for the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and for the frequency of gastropod imposex, an indicator of contamination by organotins.

Does gender really matter in contaminant exposure? A case study using invertebrate models.

Exposure to contaminants in the environment is indiscriminate and multiple species/populations of all sexes are potentially at risk. In this paper we examine the current information available on gender specific differences in invertebrates following exposure to environmental contaminants. Because of their close association with the environment and diversity of habitats, invertebrates are uniquely at risk for adverse responses to pollutants.

The Neuropeptide APGWamide as a Penis Morphogenic Factor (PMF) in Gastropod Mollusks.

The goal of this study was to further investigate the role of endogenous APGWamide levels in imposex induction in snails. APGWamide is a common neurotransmittor/neuromodulator peptide found in many species of molluscs, and is often related to sex organ growth or reproductive behavior. Mud snails (Ilyanassa obsoleta) were collected from the Rachel Carson Estuarine Reserve near Beaufort, NC, and were dosed with the environmental contaminant tributyltin (TBT), testosterone (T), or solvent vehicle (EtOH/ saline) controls.

Heterogeneity of toxicant response: sources of human variability.

While risk assessment models attempt to predict human risk to toxicant exposure, in many cases these models cannot account for the wide variety of human responses. This review addresses several primary sources of heterogeneity that may affect individual responses to drug or toxicant exposure. Consideration was given to genetic polymorphisms, age-related factors during development and senescence, gender differences associated with hormonal function, and preexisting diseases influenced by toxicant exposure.