What are the effects of the ACE inhibitor Enalapril on the health and physiological responses of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis?

Enalapril is a commonly used ACE inhibitor for treating hypertension and heart failure. Pharmaceuticals, including antihypertensives, have emerged as a new class of environmental contaminants. Despite their increasing presence in aquatic environments due to incomplete removal by sewage treatment plants, the effects of these drugs on aquatic organisms, such as mussels, are still poorly understood. This study investigates the potential impact of Enalapril on Mytilus galloprovincialis, focusing on morphological and functional responses.

Exposure to Enalapril affects the ability of digestive gland (DG) cells in Mytilus galloprovincialis to regulate volume in response to osmotic changes and activates an immune response characterized by increased haemocyte infiltration. However, it does not significantly affect cell viability, oxidative stress markers, or the expression and localization of stress-related proteins (HSP70 and HSP90).