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Lactic acid formation in crustaceans and the liver function of the midgut gland questioned
J W Phillips1, R J McKinney, F J Hird
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
Abstract:
1. The possibility of the midgut gland of the crustacean (Cherax destructor) functioning as a liver has been investigated. 2. Seven species of crustaceans accumulate lactic acid in the haemolymph when exercised. The rate of disappearance of lactate in Homarus gammarus and in C. destructor is very slow when compared with man. 3. In the midgut gland of C. destructor no firm evidence was obtained for gluconeogenesis from lactate and for ketogenesis from fatty acids. 4. It is concluded that there is at present no justification for the common practice of calling the midgut gland an hepatopancreas.