Ricerche sui metabolismo del rame in octopus vulgaris

Abstract

The copper content of the organs of Octopus vulgaris has been determined. The hepatopanercas has the highest content, (tip to 80% of the total), followed by the Wood (111%) and the body and tentacle imiclcs (1%). The copper content of other organs and tissues is very low. Tiie copper content of the hepatopanercas shows great variations according to the nutrition state of the animal. Food copper is stored in tiie hepatopanercas and is utilized for the biosynthesis of hemocyanin. Octopi receiving for long lime a copper deficient diet show a great reduction of growth. In thce conditions the copper content of the hepatopanercas drop to one tenth of its normal value. Also the copper of musclc tiues is reduced. Finally hemocyanin disappears from the circulating blood and the animal dies. © 1964 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.