Cadmium effects on the ratio of activities of lysosomal and total acid phosphatases (ACPLys/ACPTot) in Lymantria dispar larvae

Searching for novel molecular biomarkers, we investigated cadmium effects on the ratio of specific activities of lysosomal and total acid phosphatases (ACPLys/ACPTot) in 4th instar gypsy moth larvae. After acute and chronic exposure to 10 and 30 μg Cd/g dry food, as well as after recovery from both concentrations, the trait values, plasticity, variability and genetic correlations were evaluated. The ACPLys/ACPTot ratio decreased during acute and chronic effects of both concentrations. Inhibition during long-term cadmium exposure was irreversible. Indices of phenotypic plasticity for ACPLys/ACPTot ratio were positive for all cadmium treatments. The variability of plasticity was higher after recovery from 10 μg Cd/g dry food, compared to recovery from 30 μg Cd/g dry food. A significant correlation coefficient was calculated between shortterm cadmium treatments. Significant changes in the ACPLys activity fraction during all treatments indicate the examined trait (ACPLys/ACPTot) could be used as a pollution exposure biomarker.