Effects of subchronic exposure to glyphosate in juvenile oysters (Crassostrea gigas): From molecular to individual levels

• Published in: Marine Pollution Bulletin
• Main Authors: Mottier, Antoine, Séguin, Alexis, Devos, Alexandre, Pabic, Charles Le, Voiseux, Claire, Lebel, Jean-Marc, Serpentini, Antoine, Fievet, Bruno, Costil, Katherine
• Other Authors: Biologie des Organismes et Ecosystèmes Aquatiques (BOREA), Université de Caen Normandie (UNICAEN), Normandie Université (NU)-Normandie Université (NU)-Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle (MNHN)-Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD)-Sorbonne Université (SU)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Université des Antilles (UA), Institut de Biologie Fondamentale et Appliquée Caen (IBFA), Laboratoire d'études radioécologiques de la façade Atlantique (IRSN/DPRE/SERNAT/LERFA), Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN)
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: HAL CCSD 2015
• Subjects: Crassostrea gigas; Glyphosate; Condition index; Histopathology; Enzyme activities; Gene expression; [SDV]Life Sciences [q-bio]; [SDV.TOX.ECO]Life Sciences [q-bio]/Toxicology/Ecotoxicology
• Online Access: https://hal.science/hal-02277641; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.10.026

International audience Glyphosate-based herbicides are extensively used and can be measured in aquatic ecosystems, including coastal waters. The effect of glyphosate on non-target organisms is an issue of worldwide concern. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of subchronic exposure to glyphosate in juvenile oysters, Crassostrea gigas. Yearling oysters were exposed to three concentrations of glyphosate (0.1, 1 and 100 μg L−1) for 56 days. Various endpoints were studied, from the individual level (e.g., gametogenesis and tissue alterations) to the molecular level (mRNA quantification), including biochemical endpoints such as glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and catalase activities and malondialdehyde content. No mortality and growth occurred during the experiment, and individual biomarkers revealed only slight effects. The levels of gene expression significantly increased in oysters exposed to the highest glyphosate concentration (GST and metallothioneins) or to all concentrations (multi-xenobiotic resistance). These results suggested an activation of defence mechanisms at the molecular level.