The effect of alkaloid-containing extracts obtained from the leaves of potatoes was tested against the free-living flatworm Dugesia gonocephala (Platyhelminthes: Tricladida: Dugesiidae) individuals. The animals were exposed to alkaloids in a concentration range from 5 x 10-2 to 5 x 10-6 %. We could observe clear reaction in the range between 0.05 to 0.00005%. The flatworms showed immediate negative phototaxy when exposed to a drop of the extract in front of them. When half of the Petri dish was contaminated, the flatworms grouped in the second half. This effect was observed immediately after exposure and lasted for a few minutes. Individuals exposed to alkaloids contracted and remained in this stage even for a few minutes after being transferred to clear water. We show that these extracts can have a repellent effect on D.gonocephala. Since these animals are indicators of clear water, they might also be markers of the presence of alkaloids in water which is close to alkaloid-exposed fields. Next, behavioural research demonstrates that alkaloids may affect the physiology and anatomy of flatworms. Our data suggest that the research on the effects of these substances on flatworms should be continued, with a wide variety of substances and techniques used.
ACTIVITY OF SOLENACEAE ALKALOIDS AGAINST DUGESIA GONOCEPHALA (PLATELYHELMINTHES:DUGESIDAE)
LELARIO, FILOMENA;SCRANO, Laura;BUFO, Sabino Aurelio
2010-01-01
Abstract
The effect of alkaloid-containing extracts obtained from the leaves of potatoes was tested against the free-living flatworm Dugesia gonocephala (Platyhelminthes: Tricladida: Dugesiidae) individuals. The animals were exposed to alkaloids in a concentration range from 5 x 10-2 to 5 x 10-6 %. We could observe clear reaction in the range between 0.05 to 0.00005%. The flatworms showed immediate negative phototaxy when exposed to a drop of the extract in front of them. When half of the Petri dish was contaminated, the flatworms grouped in the second half. This effect was observed immediately after exposure and lasted for a few minutes. Individuals exposed to alkaloids contracted and remained in this stage even for a few minutes after being transferred to clear water. We show that these extracts can have a repellent effect on D.gonocephala. Since these animals are indicators of clear water, they might also be markers of the presence of alkaloids in water which is close to alkaloid-exposed fields. Next, behavioural research demonstrates that alkaloids may affect the physiology and anatomy of flatworms. Our data suggest that the research on the effects of these substances on flatworms should be continued, with a wide variety of substances and techniques used.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
