Exposure to low environmental concentrations of manganese, lead, and cadmium alters the serotonin system of blue mussels.

Serotonin plays a crucial role in mussel survival and reproduction. Although the serotonin system can be affected by metals, the effects of environmental concentrations of metals such as manganese (Mn), lead (Pd), and cadmium (Cd) have never been studied in blue mussels. The present study aimed to determine the effects of exposure to Mn, Pb, or Cd on serotonin levels, monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity, and serotonin transporter (SERT) levels in the blue mussel Mytilus edulis.

Dechlorane Plus induces oxidative stress and decreases cyclooxygenase activity in the blue mussel.

Dechlorane Plus (DP) is a chlorinated flame retardant used mainly in electrical wire and cable coating, computer connectors, and plastic roofing materials. Concentrations of DP (syn and anti isomers) are increasingly being reported in aquatic ecosystems worldwide. However, there is exceedingly little information on the exposure-related toxicity of DP in aquatic organisms, especially in bivalves.

Inhibition of placental 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 by lead.

Lead interferes with cortisol blood concentration, increases the risk of obstetrical complications, and could alter fetal development. The placenta controls maternal cortisol transfer to the fetus by the activity of the type 2 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD2), which converts cortisol into inactive cortisone. This study determines the effect of lead on the expression and activity of the placental 11β-HSD2 in human trophoblast-like BeWo cells.

Sex determination in blue mussels: Which method to choose?

Sexing methods of blue mussels are mostly based on the presence or absence of gametes, and do not take into account reproductive cycle stages. Exposure effects can be affected by the sex of mussels, thus the aim of this study is to determine an efficient sex determination protocol taking into account the reproductive cycle stage. Eight mussel sexing methods were compared.

Fish and seafood availability in markets in the Baie des Chaleurs region, New Brunswick, Canada: a heavy metal contamination baseline study.

The consumption of halieutic products has many health benefits. However, their contaminants loads need to be addressed to better understand the risk from consuming these products. The aquatic biota from the Baie des Chaleurs in New Brunswick is contaminated by cadmium, zinc and lead.

Spatial and temporal distribution of heavy metal concentrations in mussels (Mytilus edulis) from the Baie des Chaleurs, New Brunswick, Canada.

Previous studies on heavy metal contamination of the Baie des Chaleurs focus only on industrial centers and overlooked the ecosystem as a whole. To fill this gap, the objective of this study is to establish a baseline of the spatio-temporal distribution of heavy metals in mussels from the Baie des Chaleurs based on the ecosystem approach. Our results show, for the first time, a cadmium contamination in mussels across the south coast of the Baie des Chaleurs and not only in industrial centers.