Anaerobic metabolism of the common cockle, Cardium edule. I.--The utilization of glycogen and accumulation of multiple end products.

1. Concentrations of glycogen and of key metabolites have been measured in Cardium edule during aerobic and anaerobic incubation. 2. After 15 hours of anoxia only a slight carbohydrate consumption was found in the whole animal, whereas a decrease in glycogen level seemed evident in the separated adductor muscle. 3. The main end products of the anaerobic carbohydrate breakdown are succinate and alanine which account for 40% and 30% respectively of all accumulated compounds. 4. The concentrations of L-lactate and octopine also increase after 15 hours anaerobic condition, but both are only of minor importance as end products. 5. Propionate is not detectable in the control groups, but accumulates a little during anaerobiosis. The two possible reasons for this low production have been discussed.