Oxidative stress in oysters (Crassostrea corteziensis) exposed to naphthalene

Abstract

Naphthalene is a frequent pollutant in aquatic ecosystems that can affect the physiology of
organisms such as molluscs. Oyster Crassostrea corteziensis is an endemic species from the tropical
West Pacific, with both ecological and economical importance. The objective of this study was to
evaluate the oxidative damage in lipids and proteins in the tissue (gills and digestive gland), as well as
the membrane stability in hemocytes of oysters C. corteziensis exposed to naphthalene (1 or 20 µg/L)
sub-acutely (24 and 72 h). The results obtained indicate that under evaluated conditions, this
hydrocarbon does not induce oxidation of lipids and proteins. However, the stability of the cell
membrane of hemocytes diminished significantly in organisms exposed to 20 µg/L during 72 h.
According to the obtained results, it can be suggested that stability of the hemocyte’s cell membrane is
the most sensitive parameter to napthalene’s effect. It seems that compared to other hydrocarbons,
naphthalene has low damage potential on oyster’s oxidative parameters.