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The effect of paraoxon on spermatogenesis in Dugesia gonocephala from the Chilean Altiplano: proliferation and apoptosis

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Abstract

Introduction and aims

The Chilean Altiplano ecosystem is conserved free from contaminants and pollutants because of the absence of major local human activities such as agriculture or other industries. We studied the effects of paraoxon on proliferation and apoptosis of testicular cells during active spermatogenesis in Dugesia gonocephala collected from a pristine river (Guacollo) in the Altiplano region nearby Visviri town, Chile.

Materials and methods

Adult planarians were incubated in varying concentrations of paraoxon (0.8, 0.4, 0.04, 0.004, and 0.0004 mM) for 4 h. After 3 h of incubation, bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) was added. Effects on cell proliferation (BrdU) and apoptosis (Apaf-1) were determined by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Paraoxon concentrations of 0.4 and 0.8 mM caused 100% mortality in the respective treatment groups. The lowest tested concentration (0.0004 mM) caused a significant increase on cell proliferation in the seminiferous tubules, as well as an increase in the number of apoptotic cells. All other tested concentrations significantly inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis.

Conclusions

Paraoxon inhibits DNA synthesis and induces apoptosis during spermatogenesis in adult planarians from a high-altitude, pollution-free environment. This could suggest its use as a biosensor or biomarker for contamination with agro pesticides.

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Acknowledgments

The present work was partially funded by the Universidad de Tarapacá, research project no. 4792 and FONDECYT 1101046- 2010. We also appreciate the cooperation of the technical assistant, Mr. Juan Borja.

Disclosure statement

We would like to express our manifest authorization for the publication and diffusion of this research paper and declare that we do not have any conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Unidad de Histoembriología, ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Avenida Independencia 1027, 8389100, Santiago, Chile

    Hector Hernan Rodríguez, Ivan Silva, Douglas Needham, Luis Sarabia, Juan Inostroza & Leonella Jimenez

  2. Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Tarapaca, General Velásquez 1775, Arica, Chile

    Omar Espinoza-Navarro

  3. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Playa Ancha, Avda. Leopoldo Carvallo 270, Valparaiso, Chile

    María Eugenia Castro

Authors
  1. Hector Hernan Rodríguez
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  2. Omar Espinoza-Navarro
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  3. Ivan Silva
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  4. Douglas Needham
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  5. María Eugenia Castro
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  6. Luis Sarabia
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  7. Juan Inostroza
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  8. Leonella Jimenez
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Correspondence to Hector Hernan Rodríguez.

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Responsible editor: Markus Hecker

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Rodríguez, H.H., Espinoza-Navarro, O., Silva, I. et al. The effect of paraoxon on spermatogenesis in Dugesia gonocephala from the Chilean Altiplano: proliferation and apoptosis. Environ Sci Pollut Res 18, 497–502 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-010-0385-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-010-0385-0

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