In vitro effect of mercuric chloride on ATPase activity in kidney of the fancy carp Cyprinus carpio

Abstract

1. The Na +/K +-ATPase and Mg 2+-ATPase activity of fancy carp ( Cyprinus carpio) kidney homogenate without the presence of EDTA was significantly inhibited by mercuric chloride in a concentration-dependent manner. 2. The Na +/K +-ATPase and Mg 2+-ATPase activity of fancy carp ( Cyprinus carpio) kidney homogenate in the presence of EDTA showed no significant change with the increasing concentration of mercuric chloride. 3. The sensitivity of Na +/K +-ATPase to mercuric chloride was greater than that of the Mg 2+-ATPase. 4. In conclusion, the use of EDTA in the determination of the effect of heavy metal on the ATPase activity as a toxicological index should be avoided. Using Na +/K +-ATPase activity as a toxicological index in the studies of heavy metal effect is better than using Mg 2+-ATPase activity.