ENERGY-METABOLISM OF THE HEART OF THE MOLLUSK TAPES-WATLINGI

1. 1. Metabolic inhibitors, anoxia and measurement of oxygen consumption have been used to study the energy metabolism associated with the contractile process of the isolated heart of the bivalve mollusc, Tapes watlingi. 2. 2. In this tissue oxidative phosphorylation is used as an energy source for spontaneous contractions, however, if oxygen is removed the tissue is able to metabolize anaerobically and thus maintain near optimal activity. 3. 3. Glycolysis is important in maintaining energy demands for contraction of T. watlingi hearts, for in aerated medium and in the presence of glycolytic inhibitors the activity gradually decreases to about half the control value. 4. 4. The mollusc heart is more adaptable than mammalian tissue in utilizing alternate metabolic pathways to maintain energy production. © 1979.