Adenylate energy charge and adenine nucleotide measurements as indicators of stress in the mussel, Mytilus edulis, treated with dredged material under laboratory conditions.

Abstract

A biochemical marker or indicator of stress such as the adenylate energy charge (AEC) (Atkinson 1977) can be used to gain information on the physiological condition of an organism prior to the occurrence of irreversible changes. An indicator such as AEC may provide an integrated estimate of effects of interactions between pollutants and environmental factors as occurs in field situations. Vetter and Hodson (1985) have commented on the utility of adenylate concentration measurements as stress indicators and among the advantages, the most obvious is the fact that these measurements can provide an instant picture of the physiological state.