Micronucleus test in mussels Perna perna fed with the toxic dinoflagellate Prorocentrum lima

Area of Science:

• Marine Biology
• Ecotoxicology
• Genetics

Background:

• Mussels are important filter feeders in marine ecosystems.
• Prorocentrum lima produces okadaic acid, a known toxin.
• Genotoxicity assessment in aquatic organisms is crucial for environmental monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if feeding mussels (Perna perna) Prorocentrum lima leads to okadaic acid accumulation.
• To investigate if accumulated okadaic acid induces genotoxic effects at the chromosome level.

Main Methods:

• Mussels were exposed to varying concentrations of Prorocentrum lima in controlled aquarium settings.
• Hemocytes were analyzed for micronucleus (MN) frequency and other nuclear abnormalities.
• An outdoor control group of mussels was used for comparison.

Main Results:

• Mussels fed Prorocentrum lima showed a significantly higher frequency of MN.
• Increased nuclear lesions were observed in hemocytes of exposed mussels.
• Results suggest a dose-dependent genotoxic effect.

Conclusions:

• Feeding mussels Prorocentrum lima results in okadaic acid accumulation.
• Okadaic acid in mussels can induce genotoxic effects, evidenced by micronuclei and nuclear abnormalities.
• This highlights the potential risk of harmful algal blooms to marine life.