ACETYLCHOLINE LEVEL IN THE BRAIN AND OTHER ORGANS OF THE BIVALVE ANODONTA-CYGNEA L AND ITS MODIFICATION BY HEAVY-METALS

Acetylcholine was detected and measured in the ganglia (60-80 nmol/g), in the heart (10-15 nmol/g) and in the adductor muscles (4-5 nmol/g) of the bivalve Anodonta cygnea L. using gas chromatographic determinat ion. Treatment of the animals with low concentration of heavy metals, which cause change in the behavior, resulted in decrease of the brain acetylcholine level. Within 7 days treatment Cu2+ caused 80 per cent, Cd2+ and Pb2+ 30 per cent reduction with varying types of recovery aft er wash.