The effects of a live in vivo pathogenic infection on aspects of the immunocompetence of the common shore crab, Carcinus maenas (L)

Hawkins, Lawrence, Hauton, Christopher and Williams, J A. (1997) The effects of a live in vivo pathogenic infection on aspects of the immunocompetence of the common shore crab, Carcinus maenas (L). Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 211 (1), 115. (doi:10.1016/S0022-0981(96)02713-X).

Abstract

Individuals of the common shore crab, Carcinus maenas (L.), were inoculated in the laboratory with sub-lethal doses of the Gram negative bacterium Listonella (= Vibrio) anguillarum and the effects of this live infection on aspects of the immunocompetence of the crabs were monitored over a 7 day incubation period. Following Listonella inoculation, there was a significant decrease in the number of circulating haemocytes in the crabs which was maintained throughout the 7 day incubation. This decrease was combined with a significant increase in the ratio of granulocytes to hyalinocytes in the case of the experimental crabs. There was also a significant elevation in the concentration of haemolymph hydrogen peroxide 7 days after inoculation. In the first 24 h post inoculation there was evidence of a decrease in the cellular store of the, immunologically important, enzyme phenoloxidase. After 7 days incubation however, this pattern was reversed and enzyme levels were higher in the experimental animals than the control crabs. The data are explained in terms of a temporary reduction in the immunocompetence of the infected crabs, evidenced by the reduced haemocyte number. This transient compromise of the immune system was followed by a recovery which gave rise to an elevated hydrogen peroxide concentration and phenoloxidase enzyme activity.

This record has no associated files available for download.

Contributors

Author: Lawrence Hawkins

Author: Christopher Hauton

Download statistics