Copper-induced changes in tissue enzyme activity in a freshwater mussel

Changes in enzyme activity levels are of great diagnostic value. Lysosomal membrane is often the target of injury by xenobiotics, resulting in destabilization. Variations in the activity of acid phosphatase (ACP) a marker enzyme, in gills and hepatopancreas of the freshwater mussel Lamellidens corrianus (Lea) exposed to different concentrations of copper for 24, 120, and 168 h are discussed. The aim was to determine if the metal caused any variation in enzyme activity in the two tissues studied and, if so, whether the length of exposure had any influence on enzyme activity. ACP activity was determined as described in Sigma Technical Bulletin No. 104 and expressed as micromoles of p-nitrophenol liberated per milligram of protein per hour. Both concentration of the metal and length of exposure were found to influence enzyme activity. Higher concentrations of metals are assumed to induce stress proteins like metallothioneins.