镉诱导鲫肝细胞内Ca2+-ATP酶与金属硫蛋白的表达

研究了镉诱发鲫肝细胞相关的胞内游离钙离子变化,以及Ca²⁺-ATP酶及金属硫蛋白表达量的变化。试验分为对照组、5、10、15、20 μmol/L CdCl₂ 5个组。Ca²⁺用Fura-2/AM方法检测,试验后24 h用荧光倒置显微镜观察细胞内游离钙离子变化;分光光度法检测Ca²⁺-ATP酶;石墨炉—原子分光光度法检测了细胞内镉离子浓度;免疫酶联法(ELISA)检测了金属硫蛋白(MT)含量。结果显示,镉可导致细胞存活率下降,具有一定的毒性。镉离子引起胞内Ca²⁺荧光强度和Ca²⁺-ATP酶活性增加(P＜0.01)。随镉浓度升高,处理组Ca²⁺-ATP酶浓度活性分别是对照组的4.52、6.73、6.68、7.19、6.18倍;暴露24 h后各组细胞内镉离子均有上升,其中5 μmol/L组最高,达(2.045±0.322) μmol/L;各处理组金属硫蛋白(MT)含量增高(P＜0.01),且5 μmol/L低浓度组MT增幅最大,达17.15%。结果提示,镉诱导下细胞内Ca²⁺升高,MT表达量上升,且MT可螯合进入细胞内的镉离子,这种螯合可能是降低镉毒理作用的机制之一。     

Effect of environmental calcium levels on calcium uptake in tilapia larvae Oreochromis mossambicus

Effects of environmental calcium concentrations on the survival, growth, body calcium content and calcium uptake kinetics in developing tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) larvae were studied. Fertilized eggs were incubated in high- and low-calcium artificial freshwater (0.88–0.96 mmol l^–1 vs. 0.02–0.03 mmol l^–1 CaCl₂ or CaSO₄) until 3 days after hatching. Tilapia larvae showed similar hatching rates and wet weights in either high- or low-calcium medium, indicating neither the development nor the growth in tilapia larvae was affected by the environmental calcium levels. The body calcium content in low-calcium groups was about 90–95% that of high-calcium groups, No matter what calcium source was used (CaCl₂ or CaSO₄), acclimation to low calcium medium caused a stimulation of calcium uptake (measured in 0.2 mmol l^–1 calcium),i.e., 1.2–1.3 fold higher than that of high calcium groups. This enhanced calcium uptake capacity was characterized by a 50% decrease in K_m and a 25% increase in J_max. Effect of different calcium salts on calcium influx was significant only in low calcium level,i.e., calcium influx in low-CaCl₂ group higher than that in low-CaSO₄ group. These results suggest that tilapia larvae are able to modulate their calcium uptake mechanism to maintain normal body calcium content and growth in environments with different levels of calcium.     

Sodium dependent ion transporters in trout gills

Biochemical procedures developed to isolate plasma membranes from the branchial epithelium of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) yield membrane fractions that are specifically enriched in the plasma membrane marker enzyme Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase. As the bulk of the branchial Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase is assumed to be confined to the mitochondria-rich chloride cells, such membrane preparations must contain the essence of the enzymatic machinery of the chloride cells. Basal Na⁺ activity in branchial (chloride) cells is around 10 millimolar and, accordingly, we find a K_m for Na⁺ of the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase of 13 millimolar, indicating that the enzyme may be regulated by changes in cytosolic sodium. The Na⁺-gradient across the serosal plasma membrane created by this pump provides energy for 3Na⁺/Ca²⁺-exchange and bumetanide-sensitive Na⁺/K⁺/2Cl^--cotransport. Here we further postulate the presence of a Na⁺/Cl^--cotransporter, indicated by thiazide-sensitive, bumetanide-insensitive transport of Na⁺ and Cl^-; this cotransporter activity awaits the characterization of its kinetics. The Na⁺/Ca²⁺-exchanger has kinetic characteristics compatible with a regulatory role of cytosolic Na⁺ in the activity of this carrier. Both Na⁺/Ca²⁺-exchange and Ca²⁺-ATPase activity may contribute to transport of Ca²⁺, the former having lower affinity for calcium but a higher capacity than the latter carrier. The Na⁺/K⁺/2Cl^--cotransporter has kinetics that favor a regulatory role for plasma K⁺ in the activity of this carrier. Seawater adaptation leads to increased activity of cotransporter molecules in the plasma membrane fractions (the activity increases relative to that of the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase) and this may reflect a function in Cl^--extrusion performed by the chloride cells in a seawater environment. A function for the cotransporter in the gills of freshwater fish may be the regulation of cell volume.     

Calcium balance in embryos and larvae of the freshwater-adapted teleost,Oreochromis mossambicus

Changes in Ca²⁺ content and flux, and the development of skin chloride cells in embryos and larvae of tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus, were studied. Tilapia embryos hatched within 96h at an ambient temperature of 26–28°C. Total body Ca²⁺ content was maintained at a constant level, about 4–8 nmol per individual, during embryonic development. However, a rapid increase in body Ca²⁺ level was observed after hatching, 12.8 to 575.3 nmol per individual from day 1 to day 10 after hatching. A significant influx and efflux of Ca²⁺ occurred during development, with the average influx rate for Ca²⁺ increasing from 5.9 pmol mg⁻¹ h⁻¹ at 48h postfertilization to 47.8 pmol mg⁻¹ h⁻¹ at 1 day posthatching. The skin was proposed as the main site for Ca²⁺ influx before the development of gills, and the increased Ca²⁺ influx may be ascribed to gradual differentiation of skin surface and chloride cells during embryonic development. Ca²⁺ efflux was 16–56 pmol mg⁻¹ h⁻¹ in 1-day-old larvae. The resulting net influx of Ca²⁺, 10–12 pmol mg⁻¹ h⁻¹, accounted for the increased Ca²⁺ content after hatching. When comparing the measured and estimated ratios of efflux and influx, active transport was suggested to be involved in the uptake of Ca²⁺. Chloride cells, which may be responsible for the active uptake of Ca²⁺, started to differentiate in the skin of embryos 48h after fertilization, and the density of chloride cells increased following the development. A possibility of active transport for Ca²⁺ in early developmental stages of tilapia is suggested.     

Effects of Na/K and Mg/Ca ratios in saline groundwaters on Na-K-ATPase activity, survival and growth of Marsupenaeus japonicus postlarvae

The effects of the Na⁺/K⁺ and Mg²⁺/Ca²⁺ ratios in saline groundwaters on Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity, survival and growth of Marsupenaeus japonicus postlarvae were investigated. The results indicate that the Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity, survival rate and weight gain of postlarvae were significantly affected by the Na⁺/K⁺ and Mg²⁺/Ca²⁺ ratios (P < 0.05). The Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity of postlarvae, in every treatment, changed corresponding to Na⁺/K⁺ and Mg²⁺/Ca²⁺ ratios, and came to a stable level after 24 h. There was a negative relation between Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity and Na⁺/K⁺ ratio, while there was a positive relation between Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity and Mg²⁺/Ca²⁺ ratio. Compared with seawater (the Na⁺/K⁺ and Mg²⁺/Ca²⁺ ratios are 27.8 and 4.64 respectively), the Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity of the Na⁺/K⁺ ratio 30 treatment showed no significant difference, while the Mg²⁺/Ca²⁺ ratio 4.5 treatment showed distinct difference. The survival rates and weight gain of postlarvae increased markedly when the suitable amount of K⁺ and Ca²⁺ was added to test water, and arrived at their maximum in the Na⁺/K⁺ ratio 20-30 or Mg²⁺/Ca²⁺ ratio 4.5 treatment, having no significant difference compared with normal seawater. Therefore, considering the Na⁺/K⁺, Mg²⁺/Ca²⁺ ratios and the absolute concentration of Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺ in the experimental saline groundwaters applied to Marsupenaeus japonicus farming, it should be modulated to around 30, 4.5 and 1312 mg/l, 291 mg/l, respectively.     

虾夷扇贝闭壳肌和外套膜肌原纤维蛋白的特性分析

为探索采捕后活品虾夷扇贝品质变化与其肌肉蛋白质生理特性变化间的关联,本研究以虾夷扇贝2个可食部肌肉为研究对象,以肌原纤维蛋白ATPase活性为指标(Ca²⁺-ATPase,Mg²⁺-ATPase),对扇贝肌原纤维蛋白(Mf)的稳定性进行了系统探索。首先,分别提取闭壳肌肌原纤维(A-Mf)和外套膜肌原纤维(M-Mf);然后,考察了不同因素(离子强度I、pH、温度)对Mf的ATPase活性的影响规律;对A-Mf及M-Mf的稳定性进行了探索;进一步比较了闭壳肌和外套膜肌原纤维蛋白ATPase的失活特性。研究结果表明:(1)虾夷扇贝闭壳肌与外套膜的Mf的理化性质相似,A-Mf与M-Mf的pI均在5.0附近,粘度分析发现A-Mf热稳定性高于M-Mf。(2)ATPase活性变化规律的结果发现,与脊椎动物中的鱼类一样,作为无脊椎动物的扇贝,与Mg²⁺-ATPase相比,Ca²⁺-ATPase更能准确地反映Mf的稳定性。(3)闭壳肌和外套膜二者的Mf的Ca²⁺-ATPase呈现出共同特性,在pH为中性时活性最高;A-Mf与M-Mf的差异性则表现为前者的Ca²⁺-ATPase在较低离子强度(I=0.2)下活性最高,后者则在较高离子强度(I=0.5)下活性最高;离子强度对A-Mf的热稳定性影响不明显,而M-Mf的热稳定性明显受到离子强度的影响,其在较低离子强度下表现出更好的稳定性。(4)Ca²⁺-ATPase失活速率的研究发现,无论是闭壳肌还是外套膜,其稳定性与离子强度I和温度均呈现显著正相关(R²=0.8181、0.8436和R²=0.9887、0.9557);二者在pH 7.0左右的稳定性最好,偏离中性会促使Ca²⁺-ATPase失活,与碱性条件相比,酸性对蛋白质稳定性的破坏更加明显。     

不同盐度对生物絮团、对虾生长以及酶活性的影响

在不同盐度条件下进行凡纳滨对虾的生物絮团养殖试验,研究盐度对生物絮团养殖水质和对虾生长及其酶活性的影响。试验设5个盐度梯度(10、15、20、25、30),生物絮团初始量为20 mL/L,对虾密度为500尾/m^3,试验周期30 d。试验结果显示,15盐度组与20盐度组的对虾体质量增长率最大,达70.73%,10盐度组的体质量增长率最小,达50.24%。盐度越高生物絮团生长越快,30盐度组17 d生物絮团沉降量达200 mL/L,之后逐渐降至43 mL/L,其他组呈相同变化趋势。试验过程中水体总碱度与pH持续降低,但不同组间差异不显著(P>0.05)。盐度越高氨氮累积越快,30盐度组在第6 d达到最大质量浓度8.62 mg/L,之后降至0 mg/L,其他组呈相同趋势变化。盐度越低亚硝态氮累积越快,10盐度组在第6 d达到最大质量浓度9.18 mg/L,之后降至0 mg/L,其他组呈相同趋势变化。硝态氮在不同盐度中呈前期上升的趋势,第16 d之后开始缓慢下降。15盐度组的淀粉酶活性显著高于其他组(P<0.05),其他各组之间无显著差异(P>0.05)。脂肪酶在25盐度组活性最高,盐度升高或者降低酶活性均降低。在10、15、20盐度组中,超氧化物歧化酶、碱性磷酸酶、酸性磷酸酶活性均维持在较高水平,在相同盐度下,肌肉酶活性低于肝胰脏。     

Mechanisms of action of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) on growth hormone release from dispersed goldfish pituitary cells

The mechanisms of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) action on goldfish growth hormone (GH) release were investigated by examining GH release responses from dispersed goldfish pituitary cells to a synthetic mammalian (m)PACAP₃₈ peptide. It was established that GH release stimulated by 2-h exposure to mPACAP₃₈ was concentration-dependent, attenuated by the PACAP receptor antagonist mPACAP_6–38, and subject to neuroendocrine modulation by somatostatin. Maximal mPACAP₃₈-stimulated GH release was not additive to the responses elicited by either the adenylate cyclase activator forskolin or the cyclic (c)AMP analog 8-bromo-cAMP. The GH responses to mPACAP₃₈, forskolin and 8-bromo-cAMP, either alone or in combination, were abolished by H89, a protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor. SQ22536, an adenylate cyclase inhibitor, attenuated forskolin- and mPACAP₃₈-stimulated GH release. In contrast, mPACAP₃₈-stimulated GH release were additive to the responses to two protein kinase C (PKC) activators and unaffected by two PKC inhibitors. These results suggest that the stimulatory action of PACAP on GH secretion is mediated through a cAMP- / PKA-dependent mechanism, whereas the involvement of PKC appears unlikely. The ability of mPACAP₃₈ to further enhance maximal GnRH (PKC)-dependent GH release, but not dopamine D1 agonist (PKA)-dependent GH secretion, is consistent with this hypothesis. A possible involvement of Ca²⁺ in PACAP action is also suggested. Two inhibitors of voltage-sensitive Ca²⁺ channel reduced the GH responses to mPACAP₃₈ in static incubation; conversely, mPACAP₃₈ increased intracellular [Ca²⁺] in identified, single goldfish somatotropes.     

Intracellular mediation of GnRH action on GTH release in tilapia

The objective of the present study was to confirm previous results on the mediation of GnRH signal in tilapia by providing evidence from experiments in cultured pituitary cells and from perifusion experiments using a GnRH-antagonist. After 4 days in culture under identical conditions, cells taken from pituitaries of fish maintained at 26°C were more sensitive to GnRHa ([D-Ala⁶, Pro⁹-NEt]-LHRH) than those taken from fish maintained at 19°C. Cells from female pituitaries were more responsive than those from males. taGTH release in culture was augmented by Ca²⁺ ionophore (A23187; 1–100 μM) or ionomycin (0.02–10 μM). The response of perifused pituitary to GnRH was reduced by nimodipine (1–10 μM) indicating that Ca²⁺ influx via voltage-sensitive Ca²⁺ channels is involved in the stimulation of GTH release. Activation of protein kinase C by OAG (1-oleyl-2-acetyl glycerol; 0.16–160 μM) or TPA (1-O-tetra-decanoyl phorbol-13-acetate; 1.25–125 nM) resulted in a dose-dependent stimulation of taGTH release from cultured cells. Arachidonic acid (0.33–330 μM) also augmented the release of taGTH from the culture. Four sequential pulses of sGnRH (100 nM) at 2h intervals resulted in surges of taGTH release from perifused pituitary fragments; the surges were similar in magnitude with no signs of desensitization. Sequential stimulation with graded doses of sGnRH (0.1 nM to 1 μM) in the presence of GnRH-antagonist ([Pro^2,6, Trp³]-GnRH) resulted in an attenuation of taGTH release. However, the GnRH-antagonist did not alter the pattern of forskolin-stimulated GTH release, indicating that forskolin stimulation is exerted at the level of the adenohypophyseal cells. It is concluded that, as in other vertebrates, the transduction of GnRH stimulation of GTH release involves Ca²⁺ influx through voltage-sensitive Ca²⁺ channels, mobilization of the ion from intracellular sources, arachidonic acid and activation of PKC. Adenylate cyclase-cAMP system us also involved in the mediation but its relationship with other transduction cascades requires further investigations.     

Lipid composition and microsomal ATPase activities in gills and kidneys of warm- and cold-acclimated sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.)

The response to cold of gill and kidney membrane lipid composition and microsomal (Na⁺+K⁺)-ATPase, Na⁺-ATPase and Mg²⁺-ATPase activities in reared sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.) was investigated. Fish acclimation was carried out according to the seasonal cycle from August to March. No cold-promoted increase in fatty acid unsaturation was shown in gill and kidney polar lipids and in total lipids of mitochondria and microsomes. In both tissues the (Na⁺+K⁺)-ATPase exhibited positive compensation for cold acclimation whereas the Na⁺-ATPase displayed negative compensation. The Mg²⁺-ATPase showed no compensation in the gills and positive compensation in the kidneys. During cold acclimation the break in the Arrhenius plot of the (Na⁺+K⁺)-ATPase decreased, whereas breaks of both the Na⁺-ATPase and the Mg²⁺-ATPase activities remained unchanged. The results indicate that the sea bass does not adopt membrane unsaturation as a cold-facing strategy. The cold-promoted enhancement of (Na⁺+K⁺)-ATPase activity in osmoregulatory tissues may be advantageous to maintain efficient osmoregulation under thermodynamically unfavourable conditions.     

Effect of androgens on seawater adaptation in Arctic char,Salvelinus alpinus

Sexually immature two-year old Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) were implanted with Silastic capsules containing testosterone or 11-ketoandrostenedione in early spring. Seawater adaptability of the hormone-treated and sham-operated fish was tested periodically from May to August using a 48h seawater challenge test with 25‰ seawater. The sham-operated control fish displayed a seasonal pattern in seawater adaptation, showing a good hypoosmoregulatory ability until mid June followed by a marked increase in plasma sodium and magnesium levels in July and August. Gill Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity decreased concurrently with the observed decrease in seawater adaptability. Over the same period the androgen-treated fish displayed a similar pattern in seawater adaptability, however, in May and June the plasma sodium levels were significantly higher in both androgen-treated groups compared to the control group. Plasma magnesium regulation was impaired in both androgen-treated groups in August. Gill Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity in the testosterone-treated fish was lower in June compared to the control fish, whereas the activity was not affected by 11-ketoandrostenedione treatment. The results show that while androgens impair the hypoosmoregulatory capacity in Arctic char, the seasonal pattern of seawater adaptability is not affected.     

超高压处理对鳙品质的影响

研究了不同超高压条件(0、50、150、300、450和600MPa,保压处理15 min)对鳙感官、色度、硬度、pH、氨基氮含量、Ca2+-ATPase活性和超微结构的影响.结果表明,超高压处理改善了鱼肉的气味、滋味和咀嚼度,300、450和600MPa处理能够显著提高鱼肉的感官品质(P＜0.05);改变了鱼肉的色度,使L *值和b*值升高,a*值下降.150MPa以上的高压能够显著提高鱼肉的硬度(P＜0.05).氨基氮含量在高压处理后显著升高(P＜0.05),50和300MPa处理组的氨基氮含量比对照组分别上升了15.19％和17.89％.鱼肉的pH随着压力的升高而上升.超高压抑制了肌球蛋白Ca2+-ATPase活性,当压力≥150MPa时,Ca2+-ATPase的失活速度明显加快.超高压对肌原纤维的超微结构也有较大影响,150MPa处理后,肌节收缩,肌原纤维变粗,M线、Z线和H区消失,A带和I带断裂.450MPa处理后,肌节结构被完全破坏,肌原纤维间隙消失,肌原纤维凝胶化现象严重.综合感官和理化测定结果可知,超高压在改善鳙品质方面具有潜在的应用前景.     

Cu2+胁迫对魁蚶生理生化和组织结构的影响

采用生物毒性测试的方法,研究了持续暴露96 h不同浓度Cu2+胁迫对魁蚶生理代谢、组织结构及酶活性的影响。实验设置0.01、0.05、0.10、0.50和1.00 mg/L组5个浓度梯度,不加Cu2+的正常海水作为对照。结果显示,Cu2+胁迫对魁蚶耗氧率(OR)、排氨率(NR)、氧氮比(O∶N)均有显著影响,并且与暴露时间和浓度有关。初次暴露时,OR,NR和O∶N都迅速下降,最低值都出现在1.00 mg/L浓度组,分别为(0.005±0.001)mg/(g·h)、(0.5±0.05)μmol/(g·h)、0.7±0.1,仅为对照组的1%、29%和3%。暴露72 h内Cu2+胁迫均使魁蚶代谢率不同程度下降,之后不同处理组出现差异分化。暴露96 h时,魁蚶对低浓度Cu2+暴露表现出适应,0.01 mg/L处理组呼吸代谢恢复至正常水平,O∶N与对照组无差异,组织结构也未见明显损伤;浓度超过0.05 mg/L处理组魁蚶生理代谢及组织结构受显著影响,O∶N大多降至9以下,出现鳃丝受损和组织结构散乱等明显损伤;0.10 mg/L处理组魁蚶体内ACP和ALP活性在鳃组织中增强,肝脏中受到抑制,而GPX和GST活性增强。研究表明持续暴露96 h Cu2+浓度≥0.05 mg/L环境显著影响魁蚶生理代谢及组织结构,0.10 mg/L Cu2+浓度显著影响魁蚶组织中ACP、ALP、GPX和GST的活性。研究结果为认知魁蚶等滩涂贝类对Cu2+胁迫的响应机制提供基础数据,为预防滩涂潜在重金属污染风险及生物修复提供参考。     

Some proteolytic properties of hatching liquid in the sea trout,Salmo trutta m. trutta L.

Proteolytic activity of sea trout hatching liquid was examined towards casein and azocazein as a function of pH and temperature. The optimum pH for caseinolytic and azocaseinolytic activities were 9.4, and 9.0, respectively. At alkaline pH the enzyme was activated by low concentrations of Zn²⁺ ions (10⁻⁵ M). Maximum proteolytic activity of the hatching liquid was observed at 25°C. Temperatures exceeding 30°C caused a rapid reduction in enzyme activity. Proteolytic activity observed at 10°C was approximately 50% of that observed at 25°C. In general, a pseudo-Arrhenius plot indicated a Q₁₀ of 1.6 between 6 and 25°C.     

Effects of sulfide on K+ flux pathways in red blood cells of crucian carp and rainbow trout

The effect of sulfide on K⁺ influx pathways was measured in red blood cells (RBCs) of sulfide-sensitive rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and sulfide-tolerant crucian carp (Carassius carassius). In trout RBCs, maximal inhibition of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase was attained at 10 mol l^–1 sulfide and amounted to 32% without being influenced by pH between 6.7 and 8.3. Ouabain-resistant K⁺ influx in the absence and presence of sulfide was insignificant at pH values between 6.7 and 7.7. At higher pH values ouabain-resistant K⁺ influx increased, but was inhibited to about 15% by 30 mol l^–1 sulfide. In RBCs of crucian carp neither Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase nor ouabain-resistant K⁺ influx were affected by sulfide concentrations up to 850 mol l^–1. Differences in sulfide-sensitivity of K⁺ influx between both species can be based upon different properties of the membrane transporter themselves. The reduced Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity in trout RBCs may also result from a slightly reduced (by 9%) ATP level after sulfide exposure. In addition, intracellular sulfide concentrations were higher in trout RBCs as compared to crucian carp. In trout, intracellular sulfide concentrations reached extracellular levels within 5 min of incubation whereas sulfide concentrations in crucian carp RBCs remained about 2-fold lower than extracellular concentrations. Although the physiological basis of sulfide-insensitive K⁺ influx in crucian carp RBCs is currently unknown it may contribute to the extremely high sulfide-tolerance of this species.     

Effects of cadmium on the kinetics of calcium uptake in developing tilapia larvae, Oreochromis mossambicus

The toxic effects of Cd²⁺ on Ca²⁺ influx kinetics in developing tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) larvae were evaluated. Addition of 20 µg l^-1 of Cd²⁺ to the environment of 0 and 3 day-old larvae competitively inhibited the Ca²⁺ uptake within 4h resulting in a great increase in K_m values for Ca²⁺ influx (19.3 and 17.4 fold, respectively) as compared with their respective controls. Consequently, the actual Ca²⁺ influx of larvae in solutions of 0.2 mM Ca²⁺ are suppressed by 32–45%. Also, 3 day-old larvae were more sensitive to internally accumulated Cd²⁺ than 0 day-old larvae. Although the Ca²⁺ influx in 0 and 3 day-old larvae may be restored to the levels of their respective controls with 24h of being transferred to a 20 µg l^-1 Cd²⁺ solution, total body Ca²⁺ content was significantly reduced in 3 day-old larvae. Increased Ca²⁺ uptake efficiency ensures sufficient Ca²⁺ for normal growth. However, rapid increase in Ca²⁺ influx after hatching also leads to higher Cd²⁺ uptake. Exposure to Cd²⁺ will lead to a drop in body Ca²⁺ content resulting in retardation of larval growth. Therefore, we conclude that if Ca²⁺ uptake is interfered with at this critical stage of development, larvae will not be able to maintain normal levels of body Ca²⁺ and will show signs of Cd²⁺ poisoning.