Biochemical Changes in the Hemolymph and Hepatopancreas of Abalone Haliotis discus hannai Exposed to Copper

This study the effects of Cu exposure on biochemical factors in the hemolymph and hepatopancreas of the abalone <TEX>$Haliotis$</TEX> <TEX>$discus$</TEX> <TEX>$hannai$</TEX>. Abalone were exposed to 0, 5, 10, 20 and 40 <TEX>μg/L</TEX> Cu for 4 weeks. The calcium concentrations in hemolymph were decreased significantly on exposure to 20 and 40 <TEX>μg/L</TEX> Cu after 2 weeks. The aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities in abalone hemolymph were markedly elevated after exposure to 40 <TEX>μg/L</TEX> Cu for 4 weeks. The hepatopancreas superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were also significantly increased by exposure to 20 <TEX>μg/L</TEX> Cu for 4 weeks. These biochemical factors may represent a convenient method of monitoring heavy metal pollution in coastal areas. From these results, we conclude that a high copper concentration (40 <TEX>μg/L</TEX>) in water may curtail hemolymph homeostasis and anti-oxidative reactions in abalone.