Mercuric chloride intoxication in freshwater prawn. I. Effect on carbohydrate metabolism

The effects of mercuric chloride on the glycogen content of various tissues and on the hemolymph glucose level of freshwater prawns, Macrobrachium lamarrei (M. Edwards), have been studied. Mercuric chloride depleted the glycogen content of different tissues. The hemolymph glucose level was decreased within 24 hr and later increased significantly up to 72 hr. Further, a remarkable decrease in glucose level was observed after 96 hr. The possible cause of disturbance in carbohydrate metabolism in relation to mercury intoxication is briefly discussed.