Haemocytic and humoral activities of eastern and Pacific oysters following challenge by the protozoan Perkinsus marinus

摘要: Abstract Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) and Pacific gigas) were exposed to the protozoan parasite Perkinsus marinus. less susceptible P. marinus infection than eastern oysters. The concentration of circulating haemocytes, percentage granulocytes plasma haemagglutinin titre increased in as compared unexposed Similar increases not observed granulocytes, phagocytic number zymosan per haemocytes greater heavily infected with However, concentrations protein lysozyme lower data suggest that may offer a favourable environment for development at least two possible reasons; i.e. elevated cellular humoral activities degrade more effectively, and/or levels limit growth.