Immune response of blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) in spawning period following exposure to metals

Mytilus edulis are sensitive to environmental contamination like metals, such as silver (Ag), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg), which are bioavailable for this species.1-3 It is well documented that these metals can disrupt the immune responses in bivalves.4-6 During spawning, important physiological systems are involved, such as serotonin and dopamine,7-11 which in turn could modulate the immune system.12,13 Indeed, bivalves reduce their metabolic activity after spawning which is reflected by a decrease of the phagocytosis activity.14-18 It is expected that during the period of reduced immune activity (i.e., after spawning) mussels are more vulnerable to contaminations and diseases.14-16,18,19 The aim of this pilot study was to determine if spawning modulates immune responses of Mytilus edulis exposed to metals (Ag, Cd, Hg and Pb).