Influence of preexposure to sublethal levels of copper on Cu-64 uptake and distribution among tissues of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla)

The effect of preexposure to copper was examined in European eels with respect to uptake and distribution of Cu-64 among tissues. Eels were exposed in freshwater to 8 and 64 mu g Cu . L(-1) for 0, 6 and 28 days before Cu-64 incubation. The accumulation of copper in gill, liver and muscle tissue was studied by the uptake of Cu-64 during 67 hr of exposure to 8 and 64 mu g . L(-1). The Cu accumulation rate in muscle tissue was inversely related to bodyweight. Although the accumulation rates in liver and muscle tissues were significantly reduced after 6 and 28 days of preexposure to 64 mu g . L(-1) (but not to 8 mu g . L(-1)), the accumulation rates in the gills were not affected by preexposure. We suggest that the excretion rate of copper was stimulated by the applied preexposure to 64 mu g Cu . L(-1).