Worms from the Arctic are better adapted to freezing and high salinity than worms from temperate regions: oxidative stress responses in Enchytraeus albidus

Abstract

Enchytraeus albidus is a freeze-tolerant enchytraeid found in diverse habitats, from supra-littoral to terrestrial, and spanning temperate to arctic regions. Thus, this worm is often exposed to sub-zero temperatures and fluctuating salinity regimes that can lead to physiological stress. We therefore studied the oxidative stress by measuring lipid peroxidation, anti-oxidant defenses and neurotransmission activity in E. albidus from arctic (Greenland) and temperate (Germany) regions during a short-term exposure to saline conditions (0, 15, 35 and 50‰ NaCl) and low temperatures (+2, -2 and -5 °C). Various enzymatic and non-enzymatic oxidative stress markers were analyzed. Results have shown that both salt and freezing caused oxidative stress in E. albidus, particularly from Germany, as confirmed by catalase, glutathione-S-transferase and superoxide dismutase activities and lipid peroxidation levels. Neurotransmission (as judged from acetylcholinesterase activity) was reduced by saline conditions at +2 °C, but stimulated at -2 and -5 °C. Worms from Greenland had relatively higher and more stable levels of antioxidants than worms from Germany, reflecting their higher tolerance of freezing and saline conditions.

Keywords: Antioxidants; Biomarkers; Enchytraeids; Natural stressors; Oxidative stress.