Queen conch (Strombus gigas) testis regresses during the reproductive season at nearshore sites in the Florida Keys.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Queen conch (Strombus gigas) reproduction is inhibited in nearshore areas of the Florida Keys, relative to the offshore environment where conchs reproduce successfully. Nearshore reproductive failure is possibly a result of exposure to environmental factors, including heavy metals, which are likely to accumulate close to shore. Metals such as Cu and Zn are detrimental to reproduction in many mollusks.

Methodology/principal findings

Histology shows gonadal atrophy in nearshore conchs as compared to reproductively healthy offshore conchs. In order to determine molecular mechanisms leading to tissue changes and reproductive failure, a microarray was developed. A normalized cDNA library for queen conch was constructed and sequenced using the 454 Life Sciences GS-FLX p

SUBMITTER: Spade DJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2939879 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature