Abstract.The effects of different modulators on the phosphofructokinase (PFK) activity from the posterior adductor muscle of the sea mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis Lmk. were studied in mussels collected from N.W. Spain in spring/summer, 1988. Adenosine monophosphate (AMP), fructose 2,6-bisphosphate (Fru 2,6-P2) and ammonium ions individually activated PFK. AMP and Fru 2,6-P 2 reduced ATP-mediated inhibition and the value of S0.5 [concentration of fructose 6-phosphate (Fru 6-P) for half-maximum velocity], whereas ammonium ions increased Vma x (the rate at the saturating concentrations of Fru 6-P). Fru 2,6-P2 and ammonium ions both enhanced the effect of AMP, but in different ways: Fru 2,6-P e reduced apparent K m for AMP (concentration of AMP for half-maximum activation) without affecting Vma x, whereas ammonium ions only altered the latter. The sharp increases in the values of S0.5 for Fru 6-P and of apparent K,, for AMP that are caused by a drop in pH were reduced by the presence of Fru 2,6-P z, but not by ammonium ions. The results shows that Fru 2,6-P2 may contribute to maintain the PFK activity during hypoxia periods, whereas ammonium ions (in the presence of high AMP concentrations) may activate the enzyme during the first few hours of post-hypoxia re-immersion.