Induction and characterization of metallothionein in different organs of Ostrea edulis L.

In this study, the induction of metallothionein (MT) in one species of oyster Ostrea edulis exposed to copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) was examined. The quantity of total protein (mg protein/mg dry wt) in each sample and the measurement of MT were determined by the Lowry and silver (Ag)-saturation methods. Our results show that the gonads are the organs producing the greatest quantity of MT in the controls and in the groups induced by Cu and Zn, followed by the mantle, gut, and by muscle and plasma. Competition by Zn with respect to Cu for the production of MT has been established.