Organometallic Complexes with Biological Molecules. Xv. Effects of Tributyltin(Iv)Chloride on Enzyme Activity, Ca2+, and Biomolecule and Synthesis in Ciona Intestinalis (urochordata) Ovary

Considerable attention has been given in recent years to the possibility that xenobiotics in the environment may affect reproduction in animals. In this study, the relative impact of tributyltin(IV) (TBT) chloride, one of the most toxic environmental pollutants, was investigated using Ciona intestinalis ovary as a model system. The pleiotropic effects of TBT exposure are concentration dependent and include a decrease of ATP levels, lipid content and nucleic acid content and synthesis. In contrast, a marked increase in calcium (Ca 2+ ) and glucose content is observed. Furthermore, TBT alters enzymatic activity, inhibiting creatine kinase and stimulating alkaline phosphatase and cholinesterase (at concentrations higher than 10 −5 M in sterile sea water solution). The implications of these effects on reproduction and embryonal development are discussed, along with the possibility that they reflect an extreme cellular defence mechanism triggered to avoid deleterious consequences for the survival of the species.Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.