ABSTRACT
Microcystin (MC) concentrations were measured in the alimentary tract, digestive gland, and remaining visceral mass of adult pulmonate snails (Lymnaea stagnalis) exposed to cyanobacteria known to contain MC. The highest proportion of total body MC content was measured within the alimentary tract (83%), though an appreciable proportion (17%) was also found within the digestive gland tissue. This provides conclusive evidence for the limited digestion of toxic cyanobacteria and subsequent uptake and accumulation of MC by the digestive gland of L. stagnalis. Additionally, pure microcystin-LR was orally administered to adult L. stagnalis to investigate the potential for toxic effects. Exposure to microcystin-LR induced histopathological alterations of the digestive glands consistent with those reported elsewhere for mammals and fish, indicating a common mode of toxicity to both vertebrates and invertebrates.
Subject(s)
Bacterial Toxins/pharmacokinetics , Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacokinetics , Gastrointestinal Tract/metabolism , Lymnaea/metabolism , Microcystins/pharmacokinetics , Administration, Oral , Animals , Bacterial Toxins/toxicity , Cyanobacteria/growth & development , Cyanobacteria/metabolism , Enzyme Inhibitors/toxicity , Eutrophication , Fresh Water/microbiology , Gastrointestinal Tract/drug effects , Microcystins/toxicity , Tissue DistributionABSTRACT
We report a case of an 8-year-old girl who presented with bilateral central giant cell granulomas of the posterior mandible. Characteristic facial features and a history of pulmonary stenosis led us to suspect a diagnosis of Noonan syndrome. A medical geneticist confirmed this. This case report will discuss the salient features of this diagnosis.