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Effects Of Seasonal Variations And Heat Exposure On Antioxidant Expression And Redox Status In The American Oyster, Crassostrea Virginica: Field And Laboratory Studies, Md Sadequr Rahman

Theses and Dissertations

Increasing atmospheric temperatures influence physiological functions in aquatic organisms. In this study, I observed the effects of seasonal (field study) and laboratory heat exposure (16, 22, 26, and 30°C for 1-week) on prooxidant-antioxidant homeostasis in gills and digestive glands of American oyster. Histological analysis showed an increase in mucus secretion with elevated temperatures in both organs. Immunohistochemical analysis showed a significant increase of heat shock protein-70, dinitrophenyl, and 3-nitrotyrosine protein expressions with higher seasonal and laboratory temperatures indicating heat-induced oxidative and nitrosative stress. This was concomitant with gradual rise in cellular apoptosis. Interestingly, catalase and superoxide dismutase expressions also increased …