2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and paranitrophenol (PNP) interactions with gills of Anodonta californiensis and Mytilus californianus: uptake and effects on membrane fluxes

This study examined effects of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and paranitrophenol (PNP) on physiology of the freshwater mussel Anodonta californiensis and the marine mussel  Mytilus californianus. Specifically, the authors examined the effect of these substances on amine and divalent cation losses and glycine uptake by the mussels’ gills. Studying effects of pesticides on membrane fluxes can add to knowledge concerning potential ecological impacts of these substances.

Exposure to either substance reduced glycine influx into gills of M. californianus. 2,4-D exposure caused Ca2+ and Mg2+ losses across the gills of A. californiensis. Even low levels of exposure to 2,4-D caused primary amine losses in both M. californianus and A. californiensis. Interestingly, increased concentrations of Ca2+ or Mg2+ decreased uptake of 2,4-D and PNP for both mussel species. Overall, uptake of 2,4-D, glycine and PNP are passive for A. californiensis. For M. californianus, glycine transport is active and 2,4-D is passive.