ADENINE NUCLEOTIDES AND ADENOSINE TRIPHOSPHATASE ACTIVITY DURING AESTIVATION OF THE INDIAN APPLE SNAIL PILA GLOBOSA

Abstract

Adenine nucleotides were estimated in the tissues of the Indian apple snail during active life and aestivation. In the aestivating snail the level of ATP was significantly higher and that of ADP lower than in the active snail. These changes in the adenine nucleotides were correlated with decreased activity of adenosine triphosphatase in the aestivating snail. The activity of this enzyme was restored to the pre-aestivation level when the snail revived from aestivation. The possible implications of these changes in the regulation of metabolism in the aestivating snail are discussed.