Immuno-Modulator Effects of Carbaryl and 2,4 D in theEarthworm Eisenia fetida andrei

Carbaryl and 2,4 dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4 D)exerted differential effects on the earthworm E. f. andrei functionsrelated to immuno defense. As determined by contact test assay, carbarylactivity is characterized by a low LC50 value of 3.4 &mgr;g/cm2,compared to 18 &mgr;g/cm2 for 2,4 D. Incubating earthworms withdoses of carbaryl as low as 0.1 &mgr;g/cm2 resulted in theinhibition of the lysozyme activity detected in the cytosol (CL). A stronginhibition of phagocytosis was also obtained but with 1.5&mgr;g/cm2. On the other hand, low doses of carbaryl significantlystimulated cytolysis (0.1 &mgr;g/cm2), serine protease activity (0.1&mgr;g/cm2) in the coelomic fluid (CF) and serine protease activityin the CL (0.05 &mgr;g/cm2). Concerning 2,4 D, both cytolysis in theCF and serine protease activity in the CL were stimulated by respectively 3.5&mgr;g/cm2 and 18 &mgr;g/cm2. Phagocytosis was inhibitedonly with 18 &mgr;g/cm2. Lysozyme and serine protease inhibitoractivities were not affected. The immuno toxicological assays we developed inearthworms, allow to distinguish between chemicals with differentimmuno-modulatory properties. Moreover, earthworms appear to be aparticularly well adapted sentinel organism for the evaluation of soilcontamination.