EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE ACCLIMATION ON SOME ASPECTS OF CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM IN DECAPOD CRUSTACEA

Abstract

An investigation was conducted to determine whether there is a shift in the pathways of carbohydrate metabolism with temperature acclimation. Parameters measured included blood glucose, total reducing sugar, hepato-pancreas glycogen and a qualitative analysis of total blood carbohydrates. Animals were acclimated from 8 days to 3 months and at temperatures ranging from 2[degree] to 30[degree]C. They were maintained at a constant salinity and with a unifrom diet and photo-period. The determination of the total blood carbohydrates was done by paper chromatography. Seven species were examined as well as species acclimated to different temperatures. The carbohydrates present included glucose, galactose, maltose, a galactan derivative, the oligosaccharides maltotetraose and maltotriose, and in some species, fucose and/or mannose. Blood glucose (BG) and total reducing sugar (TRS) levels were determined at each acclimation temperature. There was a trend to higher BG a higher temperatures and lower BG at lower temperatures. However, the BG/TRS ratio did not vary significantly with acclimation. Hepato-pancreas glycogen levels were determined in Uca pugilator acclimated at 10[degree] and 30[degree]C. The results would indicate that acclimation results in a quantitative change in the carbohydrate metabolism of the Decapoda but not a major qualitative change.