Meeting Abstract

P2.159  Saturday, Jan. 5  Oxidative Stress Induces Settlement and Metamorphosis of Larvae of Capitella teleta MARX, J.*; HOFFMAN, T.; SCEIA, K.; PATEL, S.; BAILEY, A.; YATSONSKY, D.; BIGGERS, W.J.; Wilkes University; Wilkes University; Wilkes University; Wilkes University; Wilkes University; Wilkes University; Wilkes University william.biggers@wilkes.edu

Metatrochophore larvae of the marine polychaete annelid Capitella teleta normally settle and metamorphose in response to presently uncharacterized chemicals that are present in marine sediments. We have recently found that inducers of oxidative stress, including hydrogen peroxide and exposure to short-wave UV light, are also able to induce settlement and metamorphosis of these larvae. Prolonged exposure to oxidative stressors also resulted in larval mortality, however this mortality was found to be decreased by pre-exposure of the larvae to glutathione-ethyl ester, a cell permeable form of the antioxidant glutathione. We are now further exploring the biochemical mechanisms whereby metamorphosis is induced by oxidative stress, including the involvement of calcium channels and intracellular glutathione.