1. 1. Energy metabolism (substrates, enzyme activities) was studied in white muscle and liver of yellow freshwater eels ( Anguilla anguilla L.) exposed for 3 hr to 100 atm hydrostatic pressure in normoxic conditions and at constant water temperature. 2. 2. In the two tissues explored, a decrease occurred in glycogen content (the anaerobic substrate) and an accumulation of total fatty acids (exclusive aerobic substrate). Concomitant changes in substrate contents, decreased of cytochrome c oxidase activity and increased lactate dehydrogenase activity were observed. 3. 3. When complemented with observations (ATP, oxygen consumption) from previous studies, results were in agreement with an alteration of aerobic energy production and an activation of the anaerobic pathway. In fish, hydrostatic pressure appeared to induce a state resembling histotoxic hypoxia.
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