Effects of tributyltin (TBT) on the intermediate metabolism of the crab Callinectes sapidus.

This study investigated if the exposure to tributyltin (TBT), a chemical used worldwide in boat antifouling paints, could result in metabolic disturbances in the blue crab Callinectes sapidus. After the exposure to TBT 100 or 1000 ng.L for 48 and 96 h, hemolymph and tissues were collected to determine the concentration of metabolites and lipid peroxidation. The levels of glucose, lactate, cholesterol, and triglycerides in the hemolymph were not affected by TBT exposure. Hemolymph protein and heart glycogen increased in the crabs exposed to TBT 1000 for 96 h. Anterior gills protein and lipoperoxidation decreased after 96 h in all groups. These results suggest that C. sapidus can maintain energy homeostasis when challenged by the TBT exposure for 48 h and that metabolic alterations initiate after 96 h.