Immortal Hydra as a Model Organism for Metal Toxicity Studies

Abstract

Toxicology is an interdisciplinary scientific field that explores the impact, epidemiology, and treatment regimens for exposure to various toxic compounds and elements. Many toxicants such as metals have not yet been comprehensively examined, and a plethora of metal-related conditions are currently untreatable. Hydra is an immortal freshwater organism that serves as an excellent model for toxicity studies due to its natural availability, anatomical simplicity, yet comparatively complex physiology. This review will examine the significance of hydra toxicity studies, outline current experimental designs, as well as summarize the most commonly tested metals. Altogether, comprehensive toxicity studies on Hydra might provide promising breakthroughs in the understanding of toxicity-related physiology, and can be applied to clinical research and practice to ultimately improve health and wellbeing of those affected by metal-related disorders.