MORPHO-FUNCTIONAL IMPAIRMENT OF INTESTINE AND SKELETAL MUSCLE IN XENOPUS LAEVIS EMBRYOS EXPOSED TO DELORAZEPAM

Psychotropic drugs, such as benzodiazepines, are among the most frequently found pharmaceutical residues in aquatic matrices. An increasing number of studies are reporting their harmful effects on the behavior and physiology of non-target adult species, but little information is available regarding the impact on developing organisms, exposed since early stages. Improper activation of GABA and TSPO receptors during embryonic development is, in fact, likely to induce relevant consequences on the morphogenesis and behaviour. Also altering mitochondrial function thus reducing the energy available and improperly activating poptotic/proliferative pathways.4 Our previous investigation highlighted, in Xenopus laevis embryos, increased mortality and developmental abnormalities in the retina, intestine, and tail, supporting an interference mechanism with early developmental genes. Based on this evidence, we extended the investigation on the intestine and tail skeletal muscle through microscopic and ultrastructural investigations. Data were integrated with Raman spectroscopy analysis and conventional behavioural tests, to evaluate how much damage influences the interplay and/or functionality of muscles, sensory organs and the nervous system. Results confirm previous evidence of the negative impact of delorazepam on early development and return an alarming picture of the amphibians and other aquatic species’ survival potentialities in a benzodiazepine-contaminated environment.