Iron metabolism in <i>Mytilus edulis</i> II. Uptake and distribution of radioactive iron

Abstract

Mytilus edulis absorbs radioactive ‘ soluble’ iron from citrated sea water either directly or via adsorption on to the mucus used in feeding. The adsorption slows or ceases after 3—7 days when the total iron uptake is about I % of the total body content. In order of decreasing radioactivity, iron is absorbed into the byssus threads, renal organ, digestive gland, gut epithelia, gills, walls of heart and blood sinuses and gonadial and muscular tissues.