Combined effects of salinity and intermittent hypoxia on mitochondrial capacity and reactive oxygen species efflux in the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas

Coastal environments commonly experience fluctuations in salinity and hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) stress that can negatively affect mitochondrial functions of marine organisms. Although intertidal bivalves are adapted to these conditions, the mechanisms that sustain mitochondrial integrity and function are not well understood. We determined the rates of respiration and reactive oxygen species (ROS) efflux in the mitochondria of oysters, Crassostrea gigas, acclimated to high (33 psu) or low (15 psu) salinity, and exposed to either normoxic conditions (control; 21% O-2) or short-term hypoxia (24 h at <0.01% O-2) and subsequent reoxygenation (1.5 h at 21% O-2). Further, we exposed isolated mitochondria to anoxia in vitro to assess their ability to recover from acute (similar to 10 min) oxygen deficiency (<0.01% O-2). Our results showed that mitochondria of oysters acclimated to high or low salinity did not show severe damage and dysfunction during H/R stress, consistent with the hypoxia tolerance of C. gigas. However, acclimation to low salinity led to improved mitochondrial performance and plasticity, indicating that 15 psu might be closer to the metabolic optimum of C. gigas than 33 psu. Thus, acclimation to low salinity increased mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation rate and coupling efficiency and stimulated mitochondrial respiration after acute H/R stress. However, elevated ROS efflux in the mitochondria of low-salinity-acclimated oysters after acute H/R stress indicates a possible tradeoff of higher respiration. The high plasticity and stress tolerance of C. gigas mitochondria may contribute to the success of this invasive species and facilitate its further expansion into brackish regions such as the Baltic Sea.

Automated summary

Coastal environments often experience fluctuations in salinity and hypoxia-reoxygenation stress that can negatively impact the mitochondrial functions of marine organisms. This study found that oysters adapted to low salinity exhibited improved mitochondrial performance and plasticity, while oysters adapted to high salinity showed higher hypoxia tolerance.