Cellular hepatopancreatic reactions in Porcellio scaber (Isopoda) as biomarkers for the evaluation of heavy metal toxicity in soils

Following three weeks exposure to the heavy metals Cd, Pb or Zn from a contaminated substrate/food the accumulation of these elements in the body of the woodlouse, Porcellio scaber was measured. In both cell types of the hepatopancreas of this isopod species, heavy metal exposure led to ultrastructural alterations, the degree of which was found to be dose-dependent. Low metal concentrations caused reactions of distinct organelles, whilst comparably higher concentrations resulted in pathological changes in the epithelium of the hepatopancreas. Most probably, the adverse effect of high metal concentrations on the apical cell membrane resulting in a diminished absorption of nutrients together with the induction of metal detoxification processes are the reasons for a general energy deficiency which is mirrored by various symptoms of starvation in the hepatopancreatic tissue. The observed effects could be used as biomarkers for an assessment of the adverse impact of subchronic heavy metal exposure.