Effects of copper exposure on the energy metabolism in juveniles of the marine clam Mesodesma mactroides

In freshwater osmoregulating mollusks, Cu can cause toxicity by inducing ionoregulatory disturbances. In mussels, it inhibits the activity of key enzymes involved in Na(+) uptake and consequently induces ionic and osmotic disturbances. In snails, Cu induces disruption of the Ca(2+) homeostasis leading to effects in shell deposition and snail growth. However, the mechanisms involved in Cu toxicity in osmoconforming sweater mollusks remain …