Metallothionein-like Proteins in Lobster Hepatopancreas
Author Information
Author(s): Joseph Schultz, Zhiwu Zhu, David H. Petering, C. Frank Shaw III
Primary Institution: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Hypothesis
The study investigates how metallothionein and metallothionein-like proteins handle metal ions and detoxify cadmium in lobsters during the molt cycle.
Conclusion
Dexamethasone or surgical stress combined with cadmium injection significantly increases the production of cadmium-binding proteins in lobsters.
Supporting Evidence
- Untreated lobster tissue contains only Cu-MTII with no significant amounts of other metal-bound MTs.
- Exposure to dexamethasone or surgery alone does not change the metallothioneins.
- Cadmium exposure retains Cu-MTII and produces little Cd-MTI,II.
- Combining dexamethasone or surgery with cadmium injection leads to large quantities of Cd-MTI,II being produced.
- Dexamethasone or surgery induces the synthesis of apo-MT in the hepato-pancreas.
Takeaway
Lobsters can make special proteins to help them deal with metals like cadmium, especially when they are stressed or given certain treatments.
Methodology
Lobsters were treated with dexamethasone or subjected to surgical stress, followed by cadmium injection to observe changes in metallothionein production.
Participant Demographics
Lobsters were the subjects of the study.
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website