Activities of biomarkers in multiple life stages of the model crustacean, Palaemonetes pugio

Increased urbanization of coastal areas has led to increased contaminant levels in adjacent sediments and waters. Consequently, many studies have been conducted to determine the potential impacts on estuarine organisms, including the grass shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio. This study investigated baseline levels of four cellular biomarkers (glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation (LPx), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and cholesterol (CHL)) in multiple life stages (stage IV, V, VI, and VIT embryos, newly-hatched larvae, 18-day-old larvae, juveniles, and adults) of R pugio to determine which biomarkers may potentially be useful as indicators of contaminant exposure. There was a similar pattern in both LPx and AChE levels, with a clear increase occurring from the embryonic to the adult stages. Detectable levels of AChE did not occur until embryo stage V Glutathione shared a similar pattern to LPx and AChE from the newly-hatched larvae through the adult stage, however, it did not exhibit any distinguishable pattern overall with highly variable levels among all life stages. Likewise, CHL did not exhibit any distinguishable pattern, but in contrast, CHL levels were similar throughout all life stages. This research provides valuable background information that may be used in future assessments of grass shrimp population health. Published by Elsevier B.V.