Transcriptomic analysis of RDX and TNT interactive sublethal effects in the earthworm Eisenia fetida.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Explosive compounds such as TNT and RDX are recalcitrant contaminants often found co-existing in the environment. In order to understand the joint effects of TNT and RDX on earthworms, an important ecological and bioindicator species at the molecular level, we sampled worms (Eisenia fetida) exposed singly or jointly to TNT (50 mg/kg soil) and RDX (30 mg/kg soil) for 28 days and profiled gene expression in an interwoven loop designed microarray experiment using a 4k-cDNA array. Lethality, growth and reproductive endpoints were measured.

Results

Sublethal doses of TNT and RDX had no significant effects on the survival and growth of earthworms, but significantly reduced cocoon and juvenile counts. The mixture exhibited more pronounced reproductive toxicity than each

SUBMITTER: Gong P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2386057 | biostudies-literature | 2008

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature