Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Cadmium-binding proteins from blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) environmentally exposed to cadmium

Journal Article · · Environ. Res.; (United States)

Two heat-stable (90/sup 0/C) cadmium-binding proteins were isolated from the hepatopancreas of Hudson River blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) by Sephadex G-75 gel filtration chromatography. These proteins have molecular weights of 10,600 and 9,400, and ultraviolet absorbance ratios at 250/280 nm of 12.4 and 5.4, respectively. Repeated freezing and thawing and prolonged (3-6 weeks) storage resulted in protein degradation or loss of Cd-binding activity. These proteins were induced by laboratory injection of CdCl/sub 2/ in blue crabs from pristine (Chesapeake Bay) areas; however, injection of CdCl/sub 2/ into Hudson River animals yielded anomalous chromatography profiles. Cadmium-binding proteins were also identified in blue crab thoracic muscle and gill. The possibility is discussed that these proteins are a type of metallothionein and could contribute to the human toxicity of this cadmium-contaminated edible crustacean.

Research Organization:
New York Univ. Medical Center, New York
OSTI ID:
6933787
Journal Information:
Environ. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Res.; (United States) Vol. 28:1; ISSN ENVRA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English