We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
The effects of microplastics on autografts and allografts in Poecilia reticulata
Summary
This study found that polystyrene microplastics affect immune responses in guppies (small freshwater fish), specifically impairing transplanted tissue acceptance. The results suggest microplastic exposure can compromise fish immune systems in ways that may affect disease resistance and population health.
Abstract Over half of the microplastics found in the ocean are polystyrene - this impacts naturally harvested fish and shellfish in those environments. Recent studies have shown that, in fish, polystyrene microplastics affect growth, development, chemical responses, and digestive contents. Microplastics are not directly immunogenic, but can increase general inflammatory signaling due to tissue damage - fish are particularly sensitive to this type of damage because their respiratory and digestive systems are in constant interaction with the aquatic environment. This study addresses the effects of varying concentrations of polystyrene microplastics on the immune response to scale autografts and allografts in Poecilia reticulata (guppy fish). Tank conditions with microplastic concentrations of 0 particles/m3, 2,500 particles/m3, 10,000 particles/m3, and 80,000 particles/m3 were used to represent the range of natural environments with 4 fish per treatment group. Each individual fish underwent bilateral scale grafts, with autografts on one side and genetically distinct allografts on the other side. Genetic differences were confirmed based on genotyping the UBA locus - representative of MHC class I. Post-surgical graft monitoring used necrosis and pigment loss as markers of chronic rejection and vascular development as a marker of graft success. Chronic rejection based on genetic differences is observable in the differential success of autografted and allografted scale tissues.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Exposure to microplastics impairs digestive performance, stimulates immune response and induces microbiota dysbiosis in the gut of juvenile guppy (Poecilia reticulata)
Researchers exposed juvenile guppies to polystyrene microplastics at two concentrations for 28 days and examined impacts on their digestive systems. The study found that microplastic exposure impaired digestive enzyme activity, stimulated intestinal immune responses, and disrupted the gut microbiota community, suggesting that microplastics can compromise intestinal health in freshwater fish.
Inhibitory effects of polystyrene microplastics on caudal fin regeneration in zebrafish larvae
Exposure to polystyrene microplastics significantly impaired fin regeneration in injured zebrafish larvae, disrupting the signaling pathways and immune responses needed for tissue repair. The study is the first to show microplastics can reduce the regenerative capacity of fish, with potential long-term consequences for their survival in the wild.
Microplastic exposure and consumption increases susceptibility to gyrodactylosis and host mortality for a freshwater fish
Researchers found that guppies exposed to polypropylene microplastics at environmentally relevant concentrations showed significantly higher parasite burdens and increased mortality from gyrodactylid infections, demonstrating that microplastics can compromise disease resistance in fish.
Assessment of the Risk of Microplastics on Gill and Gut Health and Subsequent Pathogen Susceptibility in the Goldfish Model
Researchers assessed how polystyrene microplastics of two sizes affect gill and gut health in goldfish and their subsequent vulnerability to bacterial infection. They found that microplastic exposure caused tissue inflammation, increased immune gene expression, and thickened gill and intestinal structures. Notably, exposure to smaller 0.5-micrometer microplastics significantly reduced fish survival when challenged with a bacterial pathogen, indicating that microplastics can compromise immune defenses in fish.
Physiological Reactions of Poecilia Reticulyata to the Presence of Microplastics in the Aquatic Environment
A study found that guppies exposed to low concentrations of microplastics showed physiological stress responses, including changes in blood cell counts and gill condition, suggesting even small doses can harm freshwater fish.