Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

8-1-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

First Advisor

MD Saydur Rahman

Second Advisor

Ahmed Touhami

Third Advisor

Arnulfo O. Mar

Abstract

The rapid increase in pharmaceutical use has brought significant health benefits to humans. Studies have shown that many pharmaceuticals, such as antidepressants, are often detected in surface waters, groundwater, and even drinking water. These pharmaceuticals in aquatic environments threaten marine life seriously. Marine bivalves are vital source of seafood for people worldwide. In this study, we examined the effects of short-term exposure to fluoxetine, an antidepressant used to treat depression, at low (0.5 μg/L) and high (5 μg/L) doses over a one-week period on American oysters (Crassostrea virginica) under controlled laboratory conditions. Histological analysis revealed atrophy in the gills and digestive glands of oysters exposed to fluoxetine. The pH of the extrapallial fluid decreased significantly (P< 0.05), while glucose levels increased significantly in the high-dose groups. Immunohistochemical analysis showed significant increases (P< 0.05) in 3-nitrotyrosine protein, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine, and double-stranded DNA expression. Conversely, antidepressant exposure significantly reduced (P< 0.05) mucous production in the gills and digestive glands of oysters. Our findings suggest that oysters may experience impaired physiological functions due to morphological changes in tissues and alterations in body fluid conditions caused by antidepressant exposure.

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Copyright© 2025 Md Faisal Amin. All Rights Reserved. https://proquest.com/docview/3275351604

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