A possible mechanism of detoxification of copper, in the fresh water mollusc, Lymnaea luteola.

ABSTRACT

The cidal effect of copper sulphate on pulmonate snail host Lymnaea luteola was studied in relation to lipid metabolism. Alterations in the levels of glycerol, phospholipids, glycerides, sterols, sterol esters and free fatty acids due to copper sulphate treatment are recorded in foot, mantle and digestive gland of this mollusc. These results have been interpreted as part of a mechanism of detoxification, prevalent in this fresh water mollusc.