The effect of Cr(NO3)(3) on two model species of the family Chironomidae, Diptera - heat shock response and heat shock proteins 70

HSP 70 was analysed in two biologically different Chironomid species (Chiro nomus riparius Mg. and Glyptotendipes pallens Mg.). Both species were chron ically treated with three different concentrations of Cr(NO3)(3): 15.2 mug/ mL, 152 mug/mL, 304 mug/mL. Immunoblotting after separation of proteins by gel electrophoresis showed that HSP 70 antibodies cross-react with the corr esponding proteins of these two species. In both species the constitutive f orm of HSP 70 was detected, which in G. pallens was much more pronounced. I n larvae of both species treated with three different concentrations of Cr( NO3)(3) additional amounts of HSP 70 appeared. They were slightly visible i n C. riparius. In G. pallens with increasing the concentrations of Cr(NO3)( 3) more pronounced bands of these proteins were observed. Also, in G. palle ns, treated with 304 mug/mL Cr(NO3)(3) an additional well visible band was detected. HSP 70 was localised by indirect immunofluorescence in salivary g land chromosomes AB and CD of G. pallens after chronic treatment with 304 m ug/mL of Cr(NO3)(3). The different reactions of C. riparius and G. pallens to stressful conditions induced by Cr(NO3)(3) are described in respect of t heir biology. Having in mind a conservation of protective function, in view of its importance, it could be expected that there would be a more effecti ve protection mechanism in the mining species, G. pallens.