Chronic Exposure to Niclosamide Disrupts Structure and Metabolism of Digestive Glands and Foot in Cipangopaludina cathayensis

Niclosamide has been the primary molluscicide for schistosomiasis control for over 50 years, but its chronic effects on inter-organ interactions in non-target mollusks remain poorly understood. <i>Cipangopaludina cathayensis</i>, a dominant species in East Asian schistosomiasis-endemic regions, was chronically exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of niclosamide to assess its toxic effects. Digestive glands accumulated more niclosamide than the foot tissues. Prolonged exposure was associated with metabolic impairment of the digestive glands, characterized by tubular atrophy, inflammatory reactions, and depletion of nutrient components. Foot tissues exhibited epithelial lesions and muscle fiber atrophy. Alterations in foot structure were associated with changes in digestive gland nutrient status. Niclosamide exposure may weaken the metabolic coupling between these organs, thereby impairing locomotor function. At the population level, persistent niclosamide exposure may destabilize mollusk trophic-level populations, ultimately leading to ecological consequences. Our findings demonstrate the toxicological risks of niclosamide to freshwater mollusks.