X-Irradiation effects on growth and metamorphosis of gastropod larvae (Crepidula fornicata): a model for environmental radiation teratogenesis

• Published in: Archives of environmental contamination and toxicology 1986-02, Vol.15 (2), p.227-234
• Main Authors: GREENBERGER, J. S, PECHENIK, J, LORD, A, GOULD, L, NAPARYTEK, E, KASE, K, FITZGERALD, T. J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Crepidula fornicata; Environmental Pollution; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Invertebrates; Larva - radiation effects; Marine; Metamorphosis, Biological - radiation effects; Models, Biological; Mollusca; Mollusca - growth & development; Mollusca - radiation effects; Physiology. Development; X-Rays
• ISSN: 0090-4341; 1432-0703
• DOI: 10.1007/BF01059971

C. fornicata was monitored for up to 34 days after irradiation at 200 rad per minute, 250 kVp X-rays, to doses of 500-20,000 rad in a single fraction. There was dose related increase in cumulative mortality at doses of 2000 rad and above, but 500 and 1000 rad appeared to enhance survival relative to controls. Measurements on day 8-9 showed that shell length and size specific biomass were decreased by 10,000 or 20,000 rad, but unaffected by lower doses. Cumulative percent metamorphosis was lower (relative to control) in the 5000 rad group, but higher in the group exposed to 1000 rad. Metamorphosis in the 500 rad group was complete by day 21, compared to the 34-35 days required by control, 500 and 1000 rad groups. No larvae in the 10,000 and 20,000 rad groups survived to metamorphosis.