The effect of Zn2+ on glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity from Bufo arenarum toad ovary and alfalfa plants.

The effect of Zn2+ on glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity was monitored in samples from Bufo arenarum toad ovary and alfalfa plants, in the search for a possible new bioindicator able to detect levels of exposure through contaminated soils, and also to elucidate possible similarities between the enzyme from animal and plant tissues. The in vivo effect was evaluated after exposure of the toads to the metal in Ringer solution during 30 days and after 10 days of treatment in 6 weeks old plants, cultured under laboratory conditions. In vitro effects were measured in different extracts from control samples and partially purified enzyme from ovarian tissue as well as in different extracts from control alfalfa plants, by addition of the metal to the reaction mixture containing the enzyme.

Biomarkers of effect in toads and frogs.

Amphibians are good bioindicators of environmental pollution due to their susceptibility to chemicals during their freshwater cycles. The effects of environmental pollution, together with changes in human activity and climate, have contributed to the reduction in the amphibian population over recent decades. However, toxicological research on amphibians has been rather scarce compared with that on other vertebrates.

Metabolic alterations without metal accumulation in the ovary of adult Bufo arenarum females, observed after long-term exposure to Zn(2+), followed by toxicity to embryos.

Long-term exposure of aquatic organisms to metals, even those considered micronutrients, may affect their metabolism and produce sublethal effects. We evaluated the effects of long-term exposure of adult amphibian (Bufo arenarum) females to 4 microg/L of Zn(2+) (ZnSO(4) x H(2)O) in Ringer solution on the concentration of Zn and Fe, the activity of the key enzyme of the pentose phosphate pathway glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and glutathione content, both in the liver and ovary of these animals. We also performed early embryonic development studies by in vitro insemination from control and treated females.

Kallikrein-like amidase activity in renal ischemia and reperfusion.

We assessed a kallikrein-like amidase activity probably related to the kallikrein-kinin system, as well as the participation of leukocyte infiltration in renal ischemia and reperfusion. Male C57BL/KSJmdb mice were subjected to 20 or 60 min of ischemia and to different periods of reperfusion. A control group consisted of sham-operated mice, under similar conditions, except for ischemia induction.

The turnover of phospholipid fatty acyl chains is activated by the insecticide Dieldrin in Bufo arenarum oocytes.

Dieldrin is a widespread environmental contaminant hazardous to many wildlife species. Some evidence obtained with Bufo arenarum oocytes indicates that Dieldrin decreases the fertilization rate in amphibian oocytes, but little is known about mechanisms by which the pesticide affects fertilization. Therefore, we investigated the effect of Dieldrin on oocyte phospholipid metabolism.