CADMIUM INDUCED ALTERATIONS OF GLYCOGEN IN THE FOOT OF FRESHWATER SNAILBELLAMYA BENGALENSIS (LAMARCK)

The freshwater snails Bellamya bengalensis (Lamarck) were exposed to pre-determined mean LCso value (1.04 ppm) of cadmium sulphate for 24 hrs, 48 hrs, 72 hrs. and 96 hrs along with a control group of snails simultaneously. At the end of each exposure period the foot of the snails was subjected for biochemical analysis of glycogen. The normal concentration of glycogen in the foot of controlled snails was 4.67 + 0.19 mg/100 mg weight of wet tissue. The glycogen concentration was decreased with increase in exposure period. It was decreased up to 4.09 + 1.06 mg/100 mg after 24 hrs. 3.35 + 1.04 mg/100 mg after 48 hrs., 2.28 + 0.50 mg/100 mg after 72 hrs. and 1.19 + 1.47 mg/100 mg after 96 hrs. of exposure period. The changes in the glycogen concentration of foot during cadmium intoxication are discussed in relation to glycogen metabolism in the foot under toxic stress physiology of the snail.