ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACTHeavy metal exposure in animals can lead to profound effect on growth, development and biochemical constituents. It is necessary that the heavy metal toxicity be well documented and adequate precaution should be taken in mother and fetus to decrease its detrimental effects. An experimental study was performed with viviparous animal Heterometrousfulvipes to access the cumulative effect of chronic heavy metals exposure on lipid metabolism.Chronic heavy metal exposure resulted in decrease in biochemical constituents of lipids, with decrease in hepatopancreatic weight, hepato -somatic index and embryonic length and weight.

ABSTRACT-An experimental study was performed with viviparous animal Heterometrous fulvipes to access the cumulative effect of chronic heavy metals exposure on the activity levels of the enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Chronic heavy metal exposure resulted in variation in the enzymes levels with increase in AST and decreases in ALT, contributed to the stress induced by the heavy metals. These changes in enzymatic activity of the maternal and embryonic tissue of H. fulvipes under the influence of heavy metal, mercury and lead is suggestive of the specific impact of mercury and lead on the enzymatic pathway, prompting a further study to consolidate the finding in human study. It is pertinent that the heavy metal toxicity be well documented and appropriate precaution taken in mother and fetus to decrease its detrimental effects.