ALTERATIONS OF MICROSOMAL LIPID-SYNTHESIS IN GILL CELLS OF BIVALVE MOLLUSK MIZUHOPECTEN-YESSOENSIS IN RESPONSE TO CADMIUM ACCUMULATION

1. Studies were performed regarding the effect of cadmium accumulation on the lipid composition and lipid synthesis from [C-14]-labelled acetate in the gill microsomes of marine mollusc, Mizuhopecten yessoensis, exposed to cadmium (0.25 ppm) for 21 days. 2. No significant differences were observed in the lipid composition of gill microsomes between control and experimental scallops. 3. Data on incorporation of [C-14]-acetate in the membrane lipids demonstrated that cadmium alters phospholipid metabolism in metal-treated scallops by decreasing the rate of turnover of fatty aldehydes, saturated and diene fatty acids, but increasing the rate of turnover of monoene fatty acids. 4. The results obtained are discussed in the light of the possible mechanisms of the effects of heavy metals on lipid metabolism and in terms of the possible physiological consequences for the animals.