Molluscs in biological monitoring of water quality.

Molluscs living in Lake Balaton accumulate persistent toxic substances, namely heavy metals, to a greater extent, than other organisms, and can serve as excellent passive biomonitors. Especially gills are good accumulators. Regular sampling showed that the level of Cd and Hg concentrations increased, while Pb contamination decreased during the past 20 years in mussels, corresponding probably to changes in pollution of the Lake.

Central representation of internal and external sensory information in the CNS of Helix pomatia L. and Lymnaea stagnalis L.

The central representation of intero- and exteroreceptors located in visceral organs and the osphradium were compared in the CNS of Helix pomatia L. (Gastropoda, Stylommatophora) and Lymnaea stagnalis L. (Gastropoda, Basommatophora), two pulmonate snail species inhabiting a terrestrial and anaquatic environment, respectively.

Cadmium ions modulate GABA induced currents in molluscan neurons.

The effect of Cd2+, as one of the most widespread toxic environmental pollutants, was studied on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) evoked responses of identified neurons in the central nervous system of the pond snail, LYmnaea stagnalis L. (Gastropoda). In the experiments, the modulation of the action of GABA both on neuronal activity (current clamp recording) and on the a GABA activated membrane Cl- current (voltage clamp studies) has been shown.