J Biomed Transl Res.  2021 Mar;22(1):42-48. 10.12729/jbtr.2021.22.1.042.

Effects of cadmium on the behavior and regeneration of Dugesia japonica

• Kim YJ
• Kim YH
• Adikari AADI
• So J
• Yi YJ
• Lee SM

• KMID: 2516761
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12729/jbtr.2021.22.1.042

Abstract

This study was undertaken to evaluate the toxic effect of cadmium sulfate (Cds) on planarians (Dugesia japonica), and the suitability of planarians as an alternative animal model for toxicity studies. Planarians were exposed to varying concentrations of experimental solutions containing 0.1–25 mg/L Cds, and incubated for 1, 3, and 5 hrs. Motility, seizure-like behaviors (c-like, head-bop, snake-like, and screw-like) and regeneration ability of the amputated fragment were subsequently evaluated. Results showed decreased motility with increasing concentrations of Cds (p<0.05), with the lowest motility being observed at the highest concentration of 25 mg/L Cds. Results also indicate that seizure-like behavior patterns were significantly affected by increments in the Cds concentrations, especially the c-like and head-bop behaviors were notably increased. Compared to the control, the regeneration ability of the planarians was decreased in the experimental solutions containing Cds. Planarians exposed to Cds showed either delayed eye formation or no eye regeneration during incubation. Moreover, increased concentrations of Cds resulted in failure to regenerate and death of the planarians. In conclusion, this study confirm that the heavy metal Cds exerts a toxic effect on planarians. Furthermore, the performances of the planarians in the experimental period exhibit their suitability as an alternative animal model for toxicity studies.

Keyword

heavy metals; cadmium; behavior; regeneration; planarian