Induction of domoic acid production in the toxic diatom Pseudo-nitzschia seriata by calanoid copepods

TY - JOUR

T1 - Induction of domoic acid production in the toxic diatom Pseudo-nitzschia seriata by calanoid copepods

AU - Tammilehto, Anna

AU - Gissel Nielsen, Torkel

AU - Krock, Bernd

AU - Friis Møller, Eva

AU - Lundholm, Nina

PY - 2015/2/1

Y1 - 2015/2/1

N2 - The toxic diatom Pseudo-nitzschia seriata was exposed directly and indirectly (separated by a membrane) to copepods, Calanus hyperboreus and C. finmarchicus, to evaluate the effects of the copepods on domoic acid production and chain formation in P. seriata. The toxicity of P. seriata increased in the presence of the copepods. This response was chemically mediated without physical contact between the organisms suggesting that it was induced by potential waterborne cues from the copepods or changes in water chemistry. Domoic acid production may be related to defense against grazing in P. seriata although it was not shown in the present study. To evaluate if the induction of domoic acid production was mediated by the chemical cues from damaged P. seriata cells, live P. seriata cells were exposed to a P. seriata cell homogenate, but no effect was observed. Chain formation in P. seriata was affected only when in direct contact with the copepods. This study suggests that the presence of zooplankton may be one of the factors affecting the toxicity of Pseudo-nitzschia blooms in the field.

AB - The toxic diatom Pseudo-nitzschia seriata was exposed directly and indirectly (separated by a membrane) to copepods, Calanus hyperboreus and C. finmarchicus, to evaluate the effects of the copepods on domoic acid production and chain formation in P. seriata. The toxicity of P. seriata increased in the presence of the copepods. This response was chemically mediated without physical contact between the organisms suggesting that it was induced by potential waterborne cues from the copepods or changes in water chemistry. Domoic acid production may be related to defense against grazing in P. seriata although it was not shown in the present study. To evaluate if the induction of domoic acid production was mediated by the chemical cues from damaged P. seriata cells, live P. seriata cells were exposed to a P. seriata cell homogenate, but no effect was observed. Chain formation in P. seriata was affected only when in direct contact with the copepods. This study suggests that the presence of zooplankton may be one of the factors affecting the toxicity of Pseudo-nitzschia blooms in the field.

U2 - 10.1016/j.aquatox.2014.11.026

DO - 10.1016/j.aquatox.2014.11.026

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 25521565

SN - 0166-445X

VL - 159

SP - 52

EP - 61

JO - Aquatic Toxicology

JF - Aquatic Toxicology

ER -