Toxicology International (Formerly Indian Journal of Toxicology)

Sheryl Alphonso ¹, Pavan Pandit ¹, Hemlatha Ramachandran ¹, Anuttama Kulkarni ²

Affiliations
1 Sophia College for Women, Bhulabhai Desai Road, Mumbai – 400026, Maharashtra, IN
2 Homi Bhabha Center For Science Education (HBCSE), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai – 400088, Maharashtra, IN

Abstract

Nervous system of Hydra responds to mechanical, chemical, light and temperature stimuli, despite lack of organizational complexities like ganglion or sense organs. Nerve net of Hydra shows remarkable similarities with vertebrates at cellular and molecular level. Chemical and electrical synapses of Hydra modulate array of behavioral responses exhibited by Hydra. We have assayed toxicity and tested effect of Valproic Acid (VPA), an anti-epileptic drug on Hydra. We have performed whole animal toxicity testing, cytological staining using toluidine blue and assayed feeding behavior post VPA treatment. We conclude mild toxicity and loss of cell organization pattern in tentacles of Hydra upon prolonged VPA exposure. Our results indicate the possibility of using invertebrates like Hydra for screening of chemical modulators of molecular pathways.

Keywords

Battery Cell Complex, Chloro Hydra, Cnidarians.

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