Injections of encapsulated ph sensor SNARF-1 do not induce apparent stress reaction in larvae of endemic Baikal caddisflies Baicalina thamastoides

In the present study possibility of stress reaction of larvae of caddisflies Baicalina thamastoides Martynov, 1914 to injection of encapsulated sensors has been assessed. Activities of superoxide dismutase, non-specific esterases and glutathione S-transferase, which play important roles in functioning of organism defense systems, were used as biomarkers. Enzyme activities were measured after injections of empty microcapsules and microcapsules with fluorescent pH sensor SNARF-1, as well as after inlections of physiological saline solution and solution of the fluorescent sensor. Obtained results argue for nontoxicity and no apparent stress reaction of antioxidant and detoxification systems of B. thamastoides larvae to both types of microcapsules.