Metal-protein binding patterns in the hepatopancreas of the crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) during short term cadmium stress.

Cd-binding patterns in the hepatopancreas of the crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) have been analysed in response to the administration of a single dose of Cd ions. Four main components, with apparent molecular weights of 3-4, 12, 20 and greater than 70 K daltons, have been isolated from soluble cell fractions. The variation in molar metal/protein ratios of these components is discussed in terms of the uptake, transfer and detoxification of Cd in the hepatopancreas. A model is proposed which describes Cd flux at the subcellular level and indicates that metallothionein-like proteins may mediate in this process.