Gastropods as an evaluation tool for screening the irritating potency of absorption enhancers and drugs

Purpose. The objective of this study was to develop a simple alternative test using naked snails (slugs) for screening the irritating potency of chemicals on mucosal surfaces. Methods. The effect of various absorption enhancers and two beta-blocking agents on the mucosal tissue was determined from the total protein and lactate dehydrogenase released from the foot mucosa after treatment. Additionally, mucus production and reduction in body weight of the slugs caused by the treatment were measured. Results. According to the effects on the mucosal epithelium of the slugs the following rank order of increasing toxicity was established: PBS, HP-beta-CD (5%), beta-CD (1.8%) and oxprenolol hydrochloride (1%) < DDPC (1%) < STDHF (1%) < BAC (1%), SDC (1%) and propranolol hydrochloride (1%). The results of the present study are in agreement with other studies using the same compounds on other models. Conclusions. The results of this study indicated the mucosa of slugs can serve as a primary screening tool for the evaluation of chemicals on mucosal surfaces. By simply measuring mucus production and weight loss reliable toxicity information can be obtained. This demonstrates rapid screening tests can be carried out using simple toxicity endpoints.