HEAVY-METAL EFFECTS ON LIPID-PEROXIDATION IN THE TISSUES OF MYTILUS-GALLOPROVINCIALIS LAM

1. The effects of heavy metals on lipid peroxidation in the gills and digestive gland of mussels exposed for six days to Cu2+, Cd2+ or Zn2+ (40-mu-g/l/animal) were investigated. 2. In the tissues of Cu-exposed mussels a significant increase of the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), which is indicative of the peroxidative process, and a decrease of the concentration of glutathione were observed. 3. Moreover, in the digestive gland of mussels, copper exposure results in an increase of other carbonyl compounds and in the lysosomal accumulation of lipofuscin granules. 4. The exposure of mussels to Zn or to Cd did not elicit any of the above effects. 5. The results are discussed in relation to the possible role that Cu-induced lysosomal lipofuscin accumulation may play in heavy metal detoxification.