Comparative effects and metabolism of two microcystins and nodularin in the brine shrimp Artemia salina

K.A.  Beattie, J. Ressler, C. Wiegand, E. Krause, G.A. Codd, C.E.W. Steinberg, S. Pflugmacher-2003 

Aquatic Toxicology, 62(3): 219-226  (from ISI Current Contents)

Abstract:
The toxicity and metabolism of the cyanobacterial toxins microcystin-LR (MCLR), Dhb-microcystin-HtyR and nodularin were investigated in the cysts, nauplii and adults of the brine shrimp Artemia salina. The presence of the phase 11 detoxication system glutathione S-transferase (sGST) in these stages was shown using different substrates. Exposure of adult A. salina to the toxins led to an elevation of GST activity in vivo. All three toxins were conjugated to glutathione via GST, which has been shown as an initial step of microcystin and nodularin detoxication.

(AG Detoxicat & Metab., Leibniz Inst. Of Freshwater Ecology & Inland Fisheries, Muggelseedamm 301, D-12561 Berlin, Germany, e-mail of S. Pflugmacher: pflug@igb-berlin.de)

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