Lead cytotoxicity associated with temperature variation in Pomacea canaliculata (Lamarck, 1822) (Mollusca, Gastropoda) hemocytes

The excess of contaminating metals in the aquatic environment and their easy absorption by mollusks and other organisms prompts interest in evaluating metal toxicity associated with environmental variables. This study aimed to determine if temperature variations influence lead (Pb) toxicity in the hemocytes of the gastropod Pomacea canaliculata. We performed in vitro assays, including lysosomal integrity, mitochondrial activity, cell morphology, cell volume, and diagnosis of cell death pathways (apoptosis and necrosis). Hemocytes exposed to a concentration of 0.01 mgL−1 of Pb at 11 °C showed increased mitochondrial activity. In addition, at temperatures of 11 °C and 15 °C, we also observed increased mitochondrial activity at the concentration of 1.0 mgL−1 of Pb. Furthermore, we observed an increase in the frequency of spherical cells at the concentration of 0.1 mgL−1 of Pb at a temperature of 11 °C. The actions of lead and temperature did not affect the other parameters analyzed. Although most parameters indicate resistance, cytotoxic effects can be detected in the hemocytes of P. canaliculata.