Chemosterilization and its Reversal in the Snail Lymnaea acuminata

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Abstract
Treatment of the snail L. acuminata, the vector for the liver flukes Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica, with 2 alkylating agents (cyclophosphamide and busulfan) and 1 thiocarbamide (thiourea) caused reduction in the number of eggs and production of non-viable embryos. All 3 drugs caused reduction in the levels of DNA, RNA and protein and the activity of alkaline phosphatase in the gonadal tissues of this snail. There was enhancement in free amino acid levels and activity of acid phosphatase by these drugs. Discontinuation of treatment could not reverse the cytotoxic effects of these drugs. Treatment of sterilized snails with prostaglandin [PG] E1, PGF2.alpha. or H2O2 restored the number of eggs and caused full embryonic development. Also, there was near total recovery of RNA, DNA and protein levels and small changes in free amino acid levels as well as the activity of alkaline and acid phosphatase. The prostaglandins apparently play a modulatory role in protein synthesis. The possible therapeutic use of PGE1, PGF2.alpha. and H2O2 has been pointed out.