Effects of PCBs sorbed to algal paste and sediments on the stress protein response (HSP70 family) in the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica

This study examined the stress protein response (HSP70 family) of reproduct ively inactive oysters fed 0.7 g algal paste containing 0, 0.35 and 3.5 (g mu) polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) daily. A second set of treatment group s investigated the combined effect of PCBs and sediments (0.3 g sediments d aily per oyster) on HSP70 response. After 8 weeks of PCB exposure, oyster t issues (mantle and gill) were sampled and analyzed for HSP70. Preliminary r esults did not show a significant effect in HSP70 response in oysters fed P CB sorbed to algal paste, albeit PCBs accumulated up to 1342 ng/g dry weigh t in the mantle, and up to 180 ng/g dry weight in gill tissues. However, th e addition of sediments caused a significant increase in HSP70 levels of gi lls and mantle, although the mantle was less sensitive to the sediments. (C ) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.