engleski

Combined effects of abiotic and biotic variables on the energy metabolism and metallothionein level of Mytilus galloprovincialis

Estuaries represent particularly variable environments characterised by large temporal and spatial fluctuations in abiotic factors such as salinity, temperature and dissolved oxygen (natural stress). Mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) living in these areas are generally able to cope with these changes owing to their ability to adapt to a wide range of salinities and their efficient respiratory physiology. The cellular energy allocation (CEA) methodology was applied as a physiological research tool to assess the effects of abiotic stress and the reproductive cycle on the energy metabolism of the mussels. The CEA value is calculated as a ratio between available energy (sum of total sugars, proteins and lipids) and energy consumption (based on the activity of mitochondrial electron transport system). Present study was performed at 4 stations of different salinities in the Krka River estuary (Adriatic coast, Croatia). To evaluate the influence of reproductive stage and sex on the measured parameters, mussels were sampled in summer and autumn season and the sex determination was performed. The hepatopancreas was selected as a target organ since it serves as storage of energy reserves and represents a central detoxification site of the organism. Differential allocation of cellular energy as a result of stress and/or reproductive cycle will be discussed. The energy metabolism results will be related to the data on metallothionein level.

mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis; cellular energy allocation; metallothionein

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