Influence of preexposure to sublethal levels of copper on 64Cu uptake and distribution among tissues of the European eel ( Anguilla anguilla)

Abstract

The effect of preexposure to copper was examined in European eels with respect to uptake and distribution of 64Cu among tissues. Eels were exposed in freshwater to 8 and 64 μg Cu · L −1 for 0, 6 and 28 days before 64Cu incubation. The accumulation of copper in gill, liver and muscle tissue was studied by the uptake of 64Cu during 67 hr of exposure to 8 and 64 μg · L −1. The Cu accumulation rate in muscle tissue was inversely related to bodyweight. Although the accumulation rates in liver and muscle tissues were significantly reduced after 6 and 28 days of preexposure to 64 μg · L −1 (but not to 8 μg · L −1), the accumulation rates in the gills were not affected by preexposure. We suggest that the excretion rate of copper was stimulated by the applied preexposure to 64 μg Cu · L −1.