Comparison of key enzymes in the zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, the earthworm Allolobophora chlorotica and Chironomus riparius larvae

The levels of the enzymes, glutathione S-transferase, catalase, NAD(P)H-cytochrome c reductases, and DT-diaphorase were determined and compared in the tissues of three invertebrates commonly used in monitoring environmental quality: a freshwater mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, the earthworm Allolobophora chlorotica and the fourth instar of Chironomus riparius. It was found that the activities of GST, catalase, and NAD(P)-cytochrome c reductases were comparable in A. chlorotica and C. riparius, whereas comparatively a higher GST and a lower catalase activity was determined in the mussel tissues. DT-diaphorase was not detectable in A. chlorotica and the C. riparius larvae tissues, whereas this enzyme is present in the gills and the rest of soft mussel tissues (soft mussel tissues minus gills). It is suggested that the relatively low catalase activity observed in the tissues of the latter organism might be compensated by the presence of the antixidant role of DT-diaphorase. In addition, the inducibility of DT-diaphorase in D. polymorpha, by butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and lead (Pb) was investigated. Despite the bioaccumulation of both BHA (5.2±0.14 μg g−1 wet weight) and Pb (233.7±0.95 mg kg−1 dry weight) in the soft mussel tissues, the mussel DT-diaphorase was not induced. Although the activity of NADPH-cytochrome c (P-450) reductase was also not affected by these reagents, its activity was 2-fold higher in the gills than the rest of soft mussel tissues.