Nitric oxide release by hemocytes of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis Lmk was provoked by interleukin-2 but not by lipopolysaccharide

A novel DM9-containing protein 7 involved in regulating the expression of CgMyD88 and CgIL-17 in oyster Crassostrea gigas

The DM9-containing proteins have been identified as pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) to recognize invading pathogens and subsequently mediate downstream signal pathways, playing essential roles in innate immune responses of molluscs. In the present study, a novel DM9-containing protein (named as CgDM9CP-7) was identified from Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas, which contained two tandem DM9 repeats similar to the previously identified CgDM9CPs. The mRNA transcripts of CgDM9CP-7 were found to be constitutively expressed in all the tested tissues including haemolymph, gill, hepatopancreas, mantle, adductor muscle and labial palp. The expression level of CgDM9CP-7 mRNA in haemocytes significantly up-regulated at 3 and 6 h after Vibrio splendidus stimulation, which was 5.67-fold (p < 0.01) and 4.71-fold (p < 0.05) of that in the control group, respectively, and it also increased significantly at 6 h (3.08-fold, p < 0.01) post lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. The protein of CgDM9CP-7 was mainly detected in membrane and cytoplasm of oyster haemocytes after V. splendidus stimulation. The recombinant CgDM9CP-7 protein (rCgDM9CP-7) displayed binding activities to MAN, LPS, PGN, Poly (I:C) as well as gram-negative bacteria (V. splendidus and Escherichia coli), gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus) and fungi (Pichia pastoris and Yarrowia lipolytica). rCgDM9CP-7 was able to agglutinate Bacillus subtilis, V. splendidus, E. coli and S. aureus, inhibit their growth, and bind the recombinant protein CgMyd88-2 (KD = 5.98 × 10-6 M) and CgMyd88s (KD = 8.5 × 10-7 M) in vitro as well. The transcripts of CgIL17-1 (0.45-fold of the control group, p < 0.01), CgIL17-2 (0.19-fold, p < 0.05), CgIL17-3 (0.54-fold, p < 0.05), CgIL17-5 (0.36-fold, p < 0.05) and CgIL17-6 (0.24-fold, p < 0.01) in CgDM9CP-7-siRNA oysters decreased significantly at 6 h after V. splendidus stimulation. These results collectively indicated that CgDM9CP-7 was involved in the regulation of CgMyD88 and CgIL-17 expression in the immune response of oyster.

Investigating the internal system of defense of Gastropoda Aplysia depilans (Gmelin, 1791): Focus on hemocytes

The internal defense system of mollusks represents an efficient protection against pathogens and parasites, involving several biological immune processes, such as phagocytosis, encapsulation, cytotoxicity, and antigenic recognition of self/non-self. Mollusks possess professional, migratory, and circulating cells that play a key role in the defense of the organism, the hemocytes. Several studies have been performed on hemocytes from different mollusks, but, to date, these cells are still scarcely explored. Different hemocyte populations have been found, according to the presence or absence of granules, size, and the species of mollusks studied. Our study aims to deepen the knowledge of the hemocytes of the gastropod Aplysia depilans using morphological techniques and light and confocal microscopy, testing Toll-like receptor 2, inducible nitric oxide synthetase, and nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha 7 subunit. Our results show two hemocyte populations distinguishable by size, and presence/absence of granules in the cytoplasm, strongly positive for the antibodies tested, suggesting for the first time the presence of these receptors on the surface of sea hare hemocytes by immunohistochemistry. These data help in the understanding of the immune system of this gastropod, providing additional data for comprehending the evolution of the defense response in metazoan phylogenesis.

CgRel involved in antibacterial immunity by regulating the production of CgIL17s and CgBigDef1 in the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas

The NF-κB/Rel transcription factors play essential roles in the induction and regulation of innate immune responses. In the present study, the full-length cDNA of CgRel from the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas was of 2,647 bp with an RHD and an IPT domain. The mRNA of CgRel was found to be constitutively expressed in all the tested tissues including gills, hepatopancreas, gonad, adductor muscle, labial palps, mantle, hemocytes, and ganglion. After lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, the expression level of CgRel mRNA in hemocytes was up-regulated to the first peak at 3 h (3.06-fold compared to the control group, p < 0.001) and second peak at 48 h (1.96-fold, p < 0.05). It increased significantly at 3 h (7.68-fold compared to the control group, p < 0.001), 24 h (3.63-fold, p < 0.05) and 48 h (1.99-fold, p < 0.05) post Vibrio splendidus stimulation, respectively. The protein of CgRel was translocated from cytoplasm into nucleus of oyster hemocytes after LPS stimulation. The mRNA expression levels of interleukin17s (CgIL17s) and big defensin (CgBigDef1) in hemocytes were examined after the expression of CgRel was silenced by RNAi. The transcripts of CgIL17-1 (0.25-fold of the control group, p < 0.01), CgIL17-2 (0.12-fold, p < 0.01), CgIL17-4 (0.33-fold, p < 0.01), CgIL17-6 (0.27-fold, p < 0.05) and CgBigDef1 (0.38-fold, p < 0.01) in CgRel-knockdown oysters decreased significantly at 12 h after LPS stimulation. The results indicated that CgRel played important roles in the immune defense against bacteria by regulating the expression of CgIL17 and CgBigDef1.

A Balancing Act: The Immune System Supports Neurodegeneration and Neurogenesis

Decapod crustaceans, like mammals, retain the ability to make new neurons throughout life. In mammals, immune cells are closely associated with stem cells that generate adult-born neurons. In crayfish, evidence suggests that immune cells (hemocytes) originating in the immune system travel to neurogenic regions and transform into neural progenitor cells. This nontraditional immune activity takes place continuously under normal physiological conditions, but little is known under pathological conditions (neurodegeneration). In this study, the immune system and its relationship with neurogenesis were investigated during neurodegeneration (unilateral antennular ablation) in adult crayfish. Our experiments show that after ablation (1) Proliferating cells decrease in neurogenic areas of the adult crayfish brain; (2) The immune response, but not neurogenesis, is ablation-side dependent; (3) Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) plays a crucial role in the neurogenic niche containing neural progenitors during the immune response; (4) Brain areas targeted by antennular projections respond acutely (15 min) to the lesion, increasing the number of local immune cells; (5) Immune cells are recruited to the area surrounding the ipsilateral neurogenic niche; and (6) The vasculature in the niche responds acutely by dilation and possibly also neovascularization. We conclude that immune cells are important in both neurodegeneration and neurogenesis by contributing in physiological conditions to the maintenance of the number of neural precursor cells in the neurogenic niche (neurogenesis), and in pathological conditions (neurodegeneration) by coordinating NO release and vascular responses associated with the neurogenic niche. Our data suggest that neural damage and recovery participate in a balance between these competing immune cell roles.

Involvement of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in immune-functioning of Paphia malabarica (Chemnitz, 1782)

In recent years, the role of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) isoform has been widely studied because of its immunological relevance in higher organisms as well as invertebrates including bivalves. However, little is known about the immunological role of iNOS in Paphia malabarica defense mechanism. In this study, we immunodetected the presence of iNOS in P. malabarica hemocytes using antibody N9657 monoclonal anti-nitric oxide synthase. In addition, increased iNOS activity was evident in response to a higher bacterial dosage (Vibrio parahaemolyticus and V. cholerae), highlighting the dose-dependent iNOS activity induction. Also, higher bacterial survivability was observed in the presence of iNOS inhibitor, i.e., S-methylisothiourea hemisulphate (SMIS) thus, validating the bactericidal role of iNOS. These findings implicate the involvement of iNOS in immune-functioning of P. malabarica. Future work should focus on elucidating the expression and regulation of pathogenesis in P. malabarica, involving iNOS.

The immune response of Mytilus edulis hemocytes exposed to Vibrio splendidus LGP32 strain: A transcriptomic attempt at identifying molecular actors

The marine mussel Mytilus edulis, tolerant to a wide range of environmental changes, combines a key role as a sentinel species for environmental monitoring programs and a significant economic importance. Mortality events caused by infective agents and parasites have not been described in mussels, which suggests an efficient immune system. This study aims at identifying the molecular mechanisms involved in the early immune responses M. edulis' hemocytes challenged with Vibrio splendidus LGP32 strain during 2, 4 and 6 h. A total of 149,296 assembled sequences has been annotated and compared to KEGG reference pathways. Several immune related sequences were identified such as Toll-Like receptors (TLRs), transcription factors, cytokines, protease inhibitors, stress proteins and sequences encoding for proteins involved in cell adhesion, phagocytosis, oxidative stress, apoptosis and autophagy. Differential gene expression clustered 10 different groups of transcripts according to kinetics of transcript occurrence. Sequences were assigned to biological process gene ontology categories. Sequences encoding for galectins, fibrinogen-related proteins, TLRs, MyD88, some antimicrobial peptides, lysosomal hydrolases, heat shock proteins and protease inhibitors, as well as proteins of oxidative stress and apoptosis were identified as differently regulated during the exposure to V. splendidus LGP32. The levels of candidate transcripts were quantified in M. edulis' hemocytes exposed to V. splendidus LGP32 and 7SHRW by using branched DNA technology. Transcripts encoding for inhibitor kappa B, inhibitor of apoptosis proteins, tumor protein D54, serine/threonine-proteine kinase SIK2 were identified as up-regulated in hemocytes exposed to both strains.

An immune-enriched oligo-microarray analysis of gene expression in Manila clam (Venerupis philippinarum) haemocytes after a Perkinsus olseni challenge

Parasites of the genus Perkinsus cause high mortality and economic losses in bivalves commonly produced in global aquaculture. Although the immune responses of oysters and clams naturally infected with Perkinsus marinus or Perkinsus olseni have been extensively studied, there is not much information on host response at the early stages of infection. In this study, we analysed how P. olseni influences the gene expression profiles of haemocytes from the Manila clam (Venerupis philippinarum) using temporal experimental infections and an immune-enriched microarray. We identified an early phase of infection that was characterised by no mortality and by the increased expression of genes associated with pathogen recognition, production of nitrogen radicals and antimicrobial activity. Cellular processes such as inhibition of serine proteases and proliferation were also involved in this early response. This phase was followed by an intermediate stage, when the pathogen was most likely multiplying and infecting new areas of the body, and animals began to die. In this stage, many genes related to cell movement were over-expressed. Thirty days after infection metabolic pathway genes were the most affected. Apoptosis appears to be important during pathogenesis. Our results provide novel observations of the broader innate immune response triggered by P. olseni at different infection stages.

Mutual modulation between norepinephrine and nitric oxide in haemocytes during the mollusc immune response

Nitric oxide (NO) is one of the most important immune molecules in innate immunity of invertebrates, and it can be regulated by norepinephrine in ascidian haemocytes. In the present study, the mutual modulation and underlying mechanism between norepinephrine and NO were explored in haemocytes of the scallop Chlamys farreri. After lipopolysaccharide stimulation, NO production increased to a significant level at 24 h, and norepinephrine concentration rose to remarkable levels at 3 h and 12~48 h. A significant decrease of NO production was observed in the haemocytes concomitantly stimulated with lipopolysaccharide and α-adrenoceptor agonist, while a dramatic increase of NO production was observed in the haemocytes incubated with lipopolysaccharide and β-adrenoceptor agonist. Meanwhile, the concentration of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) decreased significantly in the haemocytes treated by lipopolysaccharide and α/β-adrenoceptor agonist, while the content of Ca(2+) was elevated in those triggered by lipopolysaccharide and β-adrenoceptor agonist. When the haemocytes was incubated with NO donor, norepinephrine concentration was significantly enhanced during 1~24 h. Collectively, these results suggested that norepinephrine exerted varied effects on NO production at different immune stages via a novel α/β-adrenoceptor-cAMP/Ca(2+) regulatory pattern, and NO might have a feedback effect on the synthesis of norepinephrine in the scallop haemocytes.

Effect of guava leaves on growth and the non-specific immune response of Penaeus monodon

Guava (Psidium guajava L.) leaf extracts have antiviral and antibacterial activity against shrimp pathogens such as yellow-head virus (YHV), white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), and Vibrio harveyi, which make it a potential water disinfectant for use in shrimp culture. In this study, the safety of guava leaf supplementation in shrimp was evaluated by studying its influence on growth and the non-specific immune response of Penaeus monodon. Six diets containing different levels of guava leaves (0% [basal diet], 0.025% [G1], 0.05% [G2], 0.1% [G3], 0.2% [G4], and 0.4% [G5]) were fed to groups of shrimp (1.576 ± 0.011 g body weight) in triplicate for 56 days. Growth performance (final body weight, WG, PWG, SGR) of shrimp fed guava leaf diets was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of shrimp fed on the basal diet. The G1 diet resulted in the highest body weight gain (308.44%), followed by the G2 (295.45%), G3 (283.05%), G5 (281.29%), G4 (276.11%), and finally the basal diet (214.58%). Survival of shrimp in the G1 diet group was higher than that of shrimp in the control and the other experimental groups; however, no statistical differences (P > 0.05) were found. Dietary supplementation with guava leaf improved the activities of prophenoloxidase (PO) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in serum, and of superoxide dismutase (SOD), acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and lysozyme (LSZ) both in serum and hepatopancreas of shrimp. In the experimental groups, the activities of these enzymes followed a similar pattern of change; they increased initially at low levels of dietary supplementation and then decreased with increasing concentrations of dietary guava leaf. Serum PO and SOD activities in shrimp fed the G1 diet reached 7.50 U ml(-1) and 178.33 U ml(-1), respectively, with PO activity being significantly higher than in controls. In shrimp fed the G1 diet, SOD, ACP, and AKP activities in hepatopancreas were significantly higher than in the controls, reaching 57.32 U g(-1), 23.28 U g(-1), and 19.35 U g(-1) protein, respectively. The highest activities of serum ACP, AKP, LSZ, and of hepatopancreas LSZ, were observed in the G3 diet group. Total nitric oxide synthase (TNOS) activity was highest (64.80 U ml(-1)) in the G4 diet group, which was significantly higher than that observed in the control group. These results suggest that dietary guava leaf supplementation could enhance the growth performance and non-specific immune response of P. monodon. Therefore, guava leaf is considered safe for use as a water disinfectant in shrimp culture.

Ecotoxicological effect of sublethal exposure to zinc oxide nanoparticles on freshwater snail Biomphalaria alexandrina

Freshwater snails are used as sensitive biomarkers of aquatic ecosystem pollution. The potential impacts of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) on aquatic ecosystems have attracted special attention due to their unique properties. The present investigation was designed to evaluate the possible mechanisms of ecotoxicological effects of ZnONPs on freshwater snail Biomphalaria alexandrina. ZnONPs showed molluscicidal activity against B. alexandrina snails, and the LC50 was 145 μg/ml. Two tested concentrations of ZnONPs were selected: The first concentration was equivalent to LC10 (7 μg/ml), and the second was equivalent to LC25 (35 μg/ml). Exposure to ZnONPs (7 and 35 μg/ml) for three consecutive weeks significantly induced malondialdehyde and nitric oxide with concomitant decreases in glutathione and glutathione-S-transferase levels in hemolymph and soft tissues of treated snails. Moreover, ZnONPs elicited a significant decrease in total protein and albumin contents coinciding with enhancement of total lipids and cholesterol levels as well as activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase in hemolymph and soft tissues of treated snails. This study highlights the potential ecological implications of ZnONP release in aquatic environments and may serve to encourage regulatory agencies in Egypt to more carefully monitor and regulate the industrial use and disposal of ZnONPs.

Sequence analysis of a normalized cDNA library of Mytilus edulis hemocytes exposed to Vibrio splendidus LGP32 strain

In the past decades, reports on bivalves' pathogens and associated mortalities have steadily increased. To face pathogenic micro-organisms, bivalves rely on innate defenses established in hemocytes which are essentially based on phagocytosis and cytotoxic reactions. As a step towards a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the mussel Mytilus edulis innate immune system, we constructed and sequenced a normalized cDNA library specific to M. edulis hemocytes unchallenged (control) and challenged with Vibrio splendidus LGP32 strain for 2, 4 and 6 h. A total of 1,024,708 nucleotide reads have been generated using 454 pyrosequencing. These reads have been assembled and annotated into 19,622 sequences which we believe cover most of the M. edulis hemocytes transcriptome. These sequences were successfully assigned to biological process, cellular component, and molecular function Gene Ontology (GO) categories. Several transcripts related to immunity and stress such as some fibrinogen related proteins and Toll-like receptors, the complement C1qDC, some antioxidant enzymes and antimicrobial peptides have already been identified. In addition, Toll-like receptors signaling pathways and the lysosome and apoptosis mechanisms were compared to KEGG reference pathways. As an attempt for large scale RNA sequencing, this study focuses on identifying and annotating transcripts from M. edulis hemocytes regulated during an in vitro experimental challenge with V. splendidus. The bioinformatic analysis provided a reference transcriptome, which could be used in studies aiming to quantify the level of transcripts using high-throughput analysis such as RNA-Seq.

Functional and molecular responses in Mytilus edulis hemocytes exposed to bacteria, Vibrio splendidus

This study aims at examining the morphological, functional and molecular responses of Mytilus edulis hemocytes exposed to different strains of Gram-negative bacteria Vibrio splendidus (a virulent strain V. splendidus LGP32, V. splendidus LGP32 Δvsm without metalloprotease and an environmental type strain V. splendidus 7SHRW) at a 1:3 ratio for 2, 4, and 6 h. Our data showed that hemocytes could have a discriminative capacity towards microorganisms. Both V. splendidus LGP32 strains had an effect on hemocyte adhesion, phagocytosis abilities and oxidative burst, whereas the environmental strain 7SHRW induced weak and delayed hemocyte responses. At a molecular level, differential levels of candidate transcripts were measured in M. edulis hemocytes exposed to V. splendidus LGP32-GFP and 7SHRW. Mainly, a down-regulation of defensin was recorded in hemocytes exposed to V. splendidus LGP32. A significant up-regulation of lysozyme and proteasome 26S was observed at 2 h followed by a down-regulation at 4 and 6 h of exposure to the LGP32 strain. Similarly, SOD and GPx genes were up-regulated 2 h post-exposure to LGP32 strain and their expressions decreased after 4 and 6 h post-exposure. Further analysis is however needed in a near future to relate the transcript level variations with the physiological process.

The immunomodulation of inducible nitric oxide in scallop Chlamys farreri

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important signalling molecule which plays an indispensable role in immunity of all vertebrates and invertebrates. In the present study, the immunomodulation of inducible NO in scallop Chlamys farreri was examined by monitoring the alterations of haemocyte behaviours and related immune molecules in response to the stimulations of LPS and/or with S-Methylisothiourea Sulphate (SMT), an inhibitor of inducible NO synthase (NOS). The total activity of NOS and NO concentration in the haemolymph of scallop C. farreri increased significantly at 3, 6 and 12 h after LPS stimulation respectively, whereas their increases were fully repressed when scallops were treated in the collaborating of LPS and SMT. Meanwhile, some cellular and humoral immune parameters were determined after the stimulation of LPS and SMT to investigate the role of inducible NO in innate immunity of scallop. After LPS stimulation, the highest levels of haemocytes apoptosis and phagocytosis were observed at 24 h (38.5 ± 2.5%, P < 0.01) and 12 h (38.6 ± 0.2%, P < 0.01), respectively, and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level (5.88 ± 0.90%, P < 0.01) of haemocytes and anti-bacterial activity of haemolymph (10.0 ± 2.2%, P < 0.01) all elevated dramatically at 12 h. Although the activity of lysozyme and phenoloxidase (PO) in haemolymph both declined at 48 h (93.0 ± 6.3 U mgprot(-1), 0.40 ± 0.06 U mgprot(-1), P < 0.01), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and GSH concentration both increased to the highest level at 24 h post treatment (99.2 ± 8.1 U mgprot(-1), 93.0 ± 6.3 nmol mgprot(-1), P < 0.01). After the collaborating treatment of LPS and SMT, the apoptosis index increased much higher from 48 h, while the increase of haemocytes phagocytosis, ROS level and haemolymph anti-bacteria activities were suppressed completely at 12 h. The declines of lysozyme and PO activity in haemolymph were reversed at 48 h, and the rise of SOD activity and GSH concentration started earlier from 3 h. These results indicated clearly that NO could participate in the scallop immunity and play a crucial role in the modulation of immune response including haemocytes apoptosis and phagocytosis, anti-bacterial activity and redox homeostasis in the haemolymph of scallop.

Effects of dietary live yeast Hanseniaspora opuntiae C21 on the immune and disease resistance against Vibrio splendidus infection in juvenile sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus

A feeding experiment was conducted to determine effects of Hanseniaspora opuntiae C21 on immune response and disease resistance against Vibrio splendidus infection in juvenile sea cucumbers Apostichopus japonicus. Sea cucumbers were fed with either diets containing C21 at 10(4), 10(5) and 10(6) CFU g(-1) feed or a control diet for 30-50 days, respectively. After feeding for 30 days and 45 days, five sea cucumbers from each tank were sampled for immunological analyses. Results indicated that C21 significantly improved the phagocytic activity in coelomocytes of sea cucumbers (P < 0.05). Moreover, C21 administration significantly enhanced lysozyme (LSZ), phenoloxidase activity (PO), total nitric oxide synthase (T-NOS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and acid phosphatase (ACP) activities in coelomic fluid, and LSZ, T-NOS, AKP and ACP activities in coelomocytes lysate supernatant (CLS) of sea cucumbers (P < 0.05). After feeding for 45 days, 10 sea cucumbers from each dose group were challenged with V. splendidus NB13. Cumulative incidence and mortality of sea cucumbers fed with C21 were found to be lower than those of control group. After feeding for 50 days, sea cucumbers in 10(4) CFU g(-1) C21 treatment and control tanks were subjected to acute salinity changes (from 30 to 20) for 24 h in the laboratory, and the immunological parameters were measured to evaluate the immune capacities of the A. japonicus. Phagocytic, LAZ and T-NOS activities of C21-treated group were higher than those of control group, indicating that salinity stress tolerance of sea cucumber was enhanced by C21. The present results showed that a diet supplemented with C21 could stimulate the immune system of juvenile A. japonicus thus enhancing their resistance against V. splendidus.

Changes in the nitric oxide system in the shore crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus (Crustacea, decapoda) CNS induced by a nociceptive stimulus

Using NADPH-diaphorase (NADPH-d) histochemistry, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting, we characterized the nitric oxide (NO)-producing neurons in the brain and thoracic ganglion of a shore crab subjected to a nociceptive chemical stimulus. Formalin injection into the cheliped evoked specific nociceptive behavior and neurochemical responses in the brain and thoracic ganglion of experimental animals. Within 5–10 min of injury, the NADPH-d activity increased mainly in the neuropils of the olfactory lobes and the lateral antenna I neuropil on the side of injury. Later, the noxious-induced expression of NADPH-d and iNOS was detected in neurons of the brain, as well as in segmental motoneurons and interneurons of the thoracic ganglion. Western blotting analysis showed that an iNOS antiserum recognized a band at 120 kDa, in agreement with the expected molecular mass of the protein. The increase in nitrergic activity induced by nociceptive stimulation suggests that the NO signaling system may modulate nociceptive behavior in crabs.

Effects of tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) on Mytilus haemocytes: role of stress-activated mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs)

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Many studies indicate that innate immunity in invertebrates can be modulated by a cytokine network like in vertebrates. In molluscs, the immune response is carried out by circulating haemocytes and soluble haemolymph factors. In the present study, the effects of heterologous TNFalpha (tumour necrosis factor alpha) on cell signalling and function in the haemocytes of the bivalve Mytilus galloprovincialis Lam. were investigated.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Addition of TNFalpha in the absence of haemolymph serum [in ASW (artificial sea water)] induced cellular stress, as indicated by lysosomal destabilization, and decreased phagocytosis; on the other hand, in the presence of serum, TNFalpha did not affect lysosomal stability and even stimulated phagocytosis. TNFalpha induced rapid phosphorylation of the stress-activated p38 and JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) MAPKs (mitogen-activated protein kinases); both effects were persistent in ASW but transient in serum. Activation of p38 and JNKs in mediating the effects of TNFalpha was confirmed by the use of specific MAPK inhibitors. Moreover, flow cytometric analysis indicated that TNFalpha in the presence of serum induced transient phosphatidylserine exposure on the haemocyte surface, evaluated as annexin V binding; in ASW, the cytokine resulted in a stable increase in the percentage of both annexin- and propidium iodide-positive cells, indicating possible apoptotic/necrotic processes. The results indicate that TNFalpha can affect the function of bivalve haemocytes through conserved transduction pathways involving stress-activated MAPKs and suggest that the haemocyte response to the cytokine is influenced by soluble haemolymph components.

Regulation of nitric oxide production in snail (Lymnaea stagnalis) defence cells: a role for PKC and ERK signalling pathways

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important molecule in innate immune responses. In molluscs NO is produced by mobile defence cells called haemocytes; however, the molecular mechanisms that regulate NO production in these cells is poorly understood. The present study focused on the role of cell signalling pathways in NO production by primary haemocytes from the snail Lymnaea stagnalis.

RESULTS

When haemocytes were challenged with PMA (10 microM) or the beta-1,3-glucan laminarin (10 mg/ml), an 8-fold and 4-fold increase in NO production were observed after 60 min respectively. Moreover, the NOS (NO synthase) inhibitors L-NAME (N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester) and L-NMMA (N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine) were found to block laminarin- and PMA-induced NO synthesis. Treatment of haemocytes with PMA or laminarin also increased the phosphorylation (activation) status of PKC (protein kinase C). When haemocytes were preincubated with PKC inhibitors (calphostin C or GF109203X) or inhibitors of the ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase) pathway (PD98059 or U0126) prior to challenge, significant reductions in PKC and ERK phosphorylation and NO production were observed following exposure to laminarin or PMA. The greatest effect on NO production was seen with GF109203X and U0126, with PMA-induced NO production inhibited by 94% and 87% and laminarin-induced NO production by 50% and 91% respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that ERK and PKC comprise part of the signalling machinery that regulates NOS activation and subsequent production of NO in molluscan haemocytes. To our knowledge, this is the first report that shows a role for these signalling proteins in the generation of NO in invertebrate defence cells.

Involvement of nitric oxide in the in vitro interaction between Manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum, hemocytes and the bacterium Vibrio tapetis

The Manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum can become infected by the bacterium Vibrio tapetis which causing the Brown Ring Disease along North European Atlantic coasts. Variations in clam immune parameters have been reported in clam challenged with V. tapetis but no studies have been done on Nitric Oxide (NO) production. NO is a toxic agent to pathogens produced mostly by immune cells such as hemocytes in invertebrates. In this study, we demonstrated that NO production in hemolymph and extrapallial fluid of clams is dose dependent and increases with incubation time with V. tapetis. Moreover, the augmentation of NO production seems to be directly correlated to cell rounding and to the loss of pseudopods-forming capacity of hemocytes during the infection process.

Effect of 17β-estradiol on adhesion of Mytilus galloprovincialis hemocytes to selected substrates. Role of alpha2 integrin subunit

The process of hemocyte adhesion to extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins plays a crucial role in cell immunity. In most of these interactions between ECM proteins and cells, integrins are involved. The results of the present study showed that incubation of Mytilus galloprovincialis hemocytes with 17β-estradiol caused significant increased adhesion of hemocytes to ECM proteins and specifically to laminin-1, collagen IV and oxidized collagen IV, in relation to control cells. The adhesion of hemocytes to oxidized collagen was significantly higher than to either collagen IV or to laminin-1. In accordance with this, inhibition of either NADPH oxidase or nitric oxide (NO) synthase attenuated 17β-estradiol effect on hemocyte adhesion, suggesting that the high levels of free radicals, produced after 17β-estradiol effect, could contribute to the high adhesion of hemocytes to laminin-1 and collagen IV. The implication of ROS was further confirmed by the use of the oxidant rotenone, which caused elevation of cell adhesion in relation to control and by the antioxidant NAC which attenuated 17β-estradiol effect. The mechanism of 17β-estradiol induced adhesion to laminin-1, collagen IV and oxidized collagen IV involves a large number of intracellular components, as Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE), all isoforms of protein kinase C (PKC), phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) and c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) as well as alpha2 integrin subunit. Maintenance of high cyclic adenosine-3'-5'-monophosphate (cAMP) levels caused non significant higher adhesion of hemocytes to ECM proteins in relation to control cells. Our results showed that 17β-estradiol caused a significant increase in α₂ integrin subunit levels, which was reduced after inhibition of NHE, PI3K, PKC, NO synthase, NADPH oxidase and JNK. In addition, our results showed that apart from 17β-estradiol, high cAMP and high ROS levels caused significantly higher induction of α₂ integrin subunit levels in relation to control. Our results imply a potential involvement of cAMP in immune responses of Mytilus hemocytes, which needs further investigation.

Involvement of Na+/H+ exchanger and respiratory burst enzymes NADPH oxidase and NO synthase, in Cd-induced lipid peroxidation and DNA damage in haemocytes of mussels

This study investigated cadmium-induced oxidative and genotoxic effects, such as lipid peroxidation and disturbance of DNA integrity (DNA damage) in haemocytes of mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis and the possible involvement of Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE), and/or the main enzymes of respiratory burst, NADPH oxidase and nitric oxide (NO) synthase, in the induction of Cd toxic effects. In order to verify the role of either NHE, or NADPH oxidase and NO synthase in Cd-mediated toxicity, inhibitors such as ethyl-N-isopropyl-amiloride (EIPA), diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI) and NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) were used in each case. Moreover, phorbol-myristate acetate (PMA), a well-known protein kinase C (PKC)-mediated NADPH oxidase and NO synthase stimulator, as well as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a well-known genotoxic agent, was also used for elucidating the modulation of signaling molecules within cells, thus leading to the induction of lipid peroxidation and DNA damage. The results of the present study showed that micromolar concentrations of Cd (0.05-50 microM) could enhance both lipid peroxidation and DNA damage, possible via a PKC-mediated signaling pathway with the involvement of NHE, thus leading to the induction of NADPH oxidase and NO synthase activity, since inhibition of either NHE, or NADPH oxidase and NO synthase activity, significantly attenuates Cd-induced toxic effects in each case.

The role of signalling molecules on actin glutathionylation and protein carbonylation induced by cadmium in haemocytes of mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis (Lmk)

This study investigated the role of Na(+)/H(+) exchanger (NHE) and signalling molecules, such as cAMP, PKC, PI 3-kinase, and immune defence enzymes, NADPH oxidase and nitric oxide synthase, in the induction of protein glutathionylation and carbonylation in cadmium-treated haemocytes of mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Glutathionylation was detected by western blot analysis and showed actin as its main target. A significant increase of both actin glutathionylation and protein carbonylation, were observed in haemocytes exposed to micromolar concentration of cadmium chloride (5 micromol l(-1)). Cadmium seems to cause actin polymerization that may lead to its increased glutathionylation, probably to protect it from cadmium-induced oxidative stress. It is therefore possible that polymerization of actin plays a signalling role in the induction of both glutathionylation and carbonylation processes. NHE seems to play a regulatory role in the induction of oxidative damage and actin glutathionylation, since its inhibition by 2 micromol l(-1) cariporide, significantly diminished cadmium effects in each case. Similarly, attenuation of cadmium effects were observed in cells pre-treated with either 11 micromol l(-1) GF-109203X, a potent inhibitor of PKC, 50 nmol l(-1) wortmannin, an inhibitor of PI 3-kinase, 0.01 mmol l(-1) forskolin, an adenylyl cyclase activator, 10 micromol l(-1) DPI, a NADPH oxidase inhibitor, or 10 micromol l(-1) L-NAME, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, suggesting a possible role of PKC, PI 3-kinase and cAMP, as well as NADPH oxidase and nitric oxide synthase in the enhancement of cadmium effects on both actin glutathionylation and protein carbonylation.

Characterisation of Mytilus edulis hemocyte subpopulations by single cell time-lapse motility imaging

In bivalve molluscs, defence against pathogens mainly relies on fast tissue infiltration by immunocompetent hemocytes that migrate from circulating hemolymph to sites of infection, in order to deliver, in situ, an effective immune response. In the present work, we have investigated dynamics of hemocyte subpopulations motility by combining flow cytometry coupled to Coulter-type cell volume determination, Hoffman modulation contrast microscopy, time-lapse imaging and off-line analysis of cell shape changes. Our results revealed fast modifications of hemocyte aspect in vitro, with bidirectional transitions from spread outlines to condensed cell body morphologies, in the minute range. Amoeboid or non-amoeboid types of locomotion were observed, depending on the cell shapes and on the cell subtypes, with velocities reaching up to 30 mum min(-1). Correlations between motion profiles, Hemacolor staining and flow cytometry analysis on living cells help to propose a functional mussel hemocyte classification including the motile properties of these cells. In particular, basophils were shown to be involved in dynamic hemocyte-hemocyte interactions and in the constitution of aggregation cores. Physiological implications, in terms of immune response in organisms devoid of endothelium-closed vascular system, and potential applications of hemocyte motility studies for the development and the interpretation of experiments involving hemocytes in the field of marine ecotoxicology are discussed.

Effects of cadmium exposure and intermittent anoxia on nitric oxide metabolism in eastern oysters, Crassostrea virginica

Nitric oxide (NO) is an intracellular signaling molecule synthesized by a group of enzymes called nitric oxide synthases (NOS) and involved in regulation of many cellular functions including mitochondrial metabolism and bioenergetics. In invertebrates, the involvement of NO in bioenergetics and metabolic responses to environmental stress is poorly understood. We determined sensitivity of mitochondrial and cellular respiration to NO and the effects of cadmium (Cd) and intermittent anoxia on NO metabolism in eastern oysters, Crassostrea virginica. NOS activity was strongly suppressed by exposure to 50 μg l–1 Cd for 30 days (4.76 vs 1.19 pmol NO min–1 mg–1 protein in control and Cd-exposed oysters, respectively) and further decreased during anoxic exposure in Cd-exposed oysters but not in their control counterparts. Nitrate/nitrite content (indicative of NO levels) decreased during anoxic exposure to less than 10% of the normoxic values and recovered within 1 h of re-oxygenation in control oysters. In Cd-exposed oysters, the recovery of the normoxic NO levels lagged behind, reflecting their lower NOS activity. Oyster mitochondrial respiration was inhibited by exogenous NO, with sensitivity on a par with that of mammalian mitochondria, and ADP-stimulated mitochondrial respiration was significantly more sensitive to NO than resting respiration. In isolated gill cells, manipulations of endogenous NOS activity either with a specific NOS inhibitor (aminoguanidine) or a NOS substrate (l-arginine) had no effect on respiration, likely due to the fact that mitochondria in the resting state are relatively NO insensitive. Likewise, Cd-induced stimulation of cellular respiration did not correlate with decreased NOS activity in isolated gill cells. High sensitivity of phosphorylating (ADP-stimulated) oyster mitochondria to NO suggests that regulation of bioenergetics is an evolutionarily conserved function of NO and that NO-dependent regulation of metabolism may be most prominent under the conditions of high metabolic flux when the ADP-to-ATP ratio is high.

Chemokinetic effect of interleukin-1 beta on cultured Biomphalaria glabrata embryonic cells

Previous studies have indicated that a molecule with cytokine activity, possibly an interleukin-1-like (IL-1) molecule, plays a role in the killing of larval stages of the blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni in the snail host Biomphalaria glabrata. The purpose of the present experiment was to test the effects of recombinant-human IL-1beta (rhIL-1beta) on embryonic B. glabrata (Bge) cell motility to determine whether the cells respond to the cytokine. Response was measured using a variation of a chemokinetic assay in which cells in culture were separated from variable concentrations of rhIL-1beta by a semi-permeable membrane containing pores to allow migration. A double staining technique was developed to ascertain cell movement across the membrane. The number of cells moving across the membrane significantly increased in a concentration-dependent manner relative to the presence of increasing amounts of rhIL-1beta below the membrane. The number of cells that moved across the membrane increased until a threshold was reached, after which migration decreased. Further, the rhIL-1beta-mediated increase in Bge cell migration across the membrane was abrogated by the addition of IL-1 receptor antagonist protein. These data indicate that Bge cells respond specifically to rhIL-1beta. As such, these data also indicate that Bge cells may serve as a useful model for elucidation of the role of cytokines or cytokine-like molecules in the snail/schistosome relationship.

Implication of PKC isozymes in the release of biogenic amines by mussel hemocytes: effect of PDGF, IL-2, and LPS

The innate immune system of marine mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) is operated by phagocytic cells termed hemocytes. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), interleukin-2 (IL-2), or platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) increase biogenic amine synthesis in these cells, and the enzymes Ca(2+)-independent protein kinase C (PKC) (p105/108) and Ca(2+)-dependent PKC (p60) are involved in these processes. Stimulation by PDGF induces a down-regulation process affecting the form p108 of the Ca(2+)-independent PKC. In addition, PDGF produces the increase of expression of p60 in the membrane fraction. IL-2 induces the disappearance of p108 from the membrane but does not affect the presence of p60 in cytosol or membrane. For its part, LPS activates exclusively p60 by a down-regulation mechanism. The ensemble of results suggests that each agonist starts a pathway that implicates the PKC isoenzymes that mediate the regulation of the activities dopa decarboxylase, dopamine beta-hydroxilase, and phenyletanolamine N-methyltranferase, which lead to different actions related to biogenic amine synthesis.

The role of melanization and cytotoxic by-products in the cellular immune responses of Drosophila against parasitic wasps

The cellular innate immune response of several species of Drosophila terminates with the encasement of large foreign objects within melanotic capsules comprised of several layers of adhering blood cells or hemocytes. This reaction is manifested by various Drosophila hosts in response to infection by endoparasitic wasps (i.e., parasitoids). Creditable assessments of the factor(s) causing, or contributing to, parasite mortality have long been considered as cytotoxic elements certain molecules associated with enzyme-mediated melanogenesis. However, observations that warrant additional or alternative considerations are those documenting parasitoid survival despite melanotic encapsulation, and those where parasitoids are destroyed with no evidence of this host response. Recent studies of the production of some reactive intermediates of oxygen and nitrogen during infection provide a basis for proposing that these molecules constitute important components of the immune arsenal of Drosophila. Studies of the virulence factors injected by female wasps during oviposition that suppress the host response will likely facilitate identification of the cytotoxic molecules as well as the cell-signaling pathways that regulate their synthesis.

Production of superoxides and nitric oxide generation in haemocytes of mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis (Lmk.) after exposure to cadmium: a possible involvement of Na(+)/H(+) exchanger in the induction of cadmium toxic effects

The present study investigates cadmium (Cd) ability to enhance superoxides (O(2-)) and nitric oxide (NO) production (as nitrites) in haemocytes of mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis as well as the possible involvement of Na(+)/H(+) exchanger (NHE) in the induction of NADPH oxidase and NO synthase activity. PMA, a well-known PKC-mediated NADPH oxidase as well as NO synthase stimulator was also used, in order to verify Cd effects on both O(2-) and NO generation. According to the results of the present study, micromolar concentrations of Cd (0.05, 5, 10 and 50 microM) seemed to enhance O(2-) and NO generation in haemocytes of mussels. Moreover, O(2-) and NO generation in haemocytes exposed to Cd could be enhanced by its ability to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) but respiratory burst activation as well. Inhibition of NO synthase with 10 microM l-NAME, significantly attenuated Cd ability to enhance O(2-) production and diminished NO generation, thus leading to the suggestion that Cd toxic effects, started at concentration of 50 muM, could enhance NADPH oxidase and NO synthase stimulation in haemocytes of mussels. NHE seems to play a regulatory role in the induction of either O(2-) or NO generation in haemocytes exposed to the metal, since its inhibition with the use of 10 microM EIPA significantly decrease both O(2-) and NO production. The involvement of NHE in the induction of O(2-) and NO generation, probably via PKC-mediated NADPH oxidase and NO synthase activation, is likely to be crucial to haemocytes exposed to heavy metals, such as Cd.

The Ca2+-independent PKC (p105) mediates the PMA-activation of marine mussel hemocytes and the Ca2+-dependent PKC (p60) does not intervene

Previous works revealed the presence of a Ca(2+)-dependent protein kinase (p60) and a Ca(2+)-independent protein kinase (p105) in the mantle tissue from the sea mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis Lmk. The expression of both isoforms shows a balance between cytosolic and membrane fractions in mantle, gills, and hepatopancreas, whereas, in hemocytes, their expression is mainly cytosolic, as happens in muscle tissues with p60 alone. Both enzymatic forms contain phosphorylated serines, and no phosphorylation was detected in tyrosines. Only the form p105 mediates the PMA-induced activation of the hemocytes of M. galloprovincialis, and it does so by a process of down-regulation. The form p60 does not respond to the presence of the phorbol ester, suggesting structural differences related to the binding sites of the diacylglycerol.

Nitric oxide production by Biomphalaria glabrata haemocytes: effects of Schistosoma mansoni ESPs and regulation through the extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway

BACKGROUND

Schistosoma mansoni uses Biomphalaria glabrata as an intermediate host during its complex life cycle. In the snail, the parasite initially transforms from a miracidium into a mother sporocyst and during this process excretory-secretory products (ESPs) are released. Nitric oxide (NO) and its reactive intermediates play an important role in host defence responses against pathogens. This study therefore aimed to determine the effects of S. mansoni ESPs on NO production in defence cells (haemocytes) from schistosome-susceptible and schistosome-resistant B. glabrata strains. As S. mansoni ESPs have previously been shown to inhibit extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation (activation) in haemocytes from susceptible, but not resistant, B. glabrata the regulation of NO output by ERK in these cells was also investigated.

RESULTS

Haemocytes from resistant snails challenged with S. mansoni ESPs (20 mug/ml) over 5 h displayed an increase in NO production that was 3.3 times greater than that observed for unchallenged haemocytes; lower concentrations of ESPs (0.1-10 mug/ml) did not significantly increase NO output. In contrast, haemocytes from susceptible snails showed no significant change in NO output following challenge with ESPs at any concentration used (0.1-20 mug/ml). Western blotting revealed that U0126 (1 muM or 10 muM) blocked the phosphorylation (activation) status of ERK in haemocytes from both snail strains. Inhibition of ERK signalling by U0126 attenuated considerably intracellular NO production in haemocytes from both susceptible and resistant B. glabrata strains, identifying ERK as a key regulator of NO output in these cells.

CONCLUSION

S. mansoni ESPs differentially influence intracellular NO levels in susceptible and resistant B. glabrata haemocytes, possibly through modulation of the ERK signalling pathway. Such effects might facilitate survival of S. mansoni in its intermediate host.

Evidence of high individual diversity on myticin C in mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis)

Several antimicrobial peptides (AMP) have been described in Mytilus galloprovincialis. However, only in myticin C a high variability on the nucleotide sequence was detected. To determine the individual variability of this AMP, the myticin C present in more than 100 mussels was analyzed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). This technique helped us to describe a very high myticin C diversity as compared with a non-immune related gene such as the beta-actin. Moreover, each mussel showed a specific and exclusive myticin C band pattern. Our results showed that the individual sequences of myticin C are unique for each mussel, independently of their geographic origin, age, sex, gonad maturation stage or aggregate where they group together on the wild. Only the animals belonging to the same family shared myticin C sequences. The comparative analysis of genomic DNA and cDNA sequences from the same individual showed that all detected variants shared a very high homology with the more frequent genomic isoforms, suggesting that all the variations were generated from the more common sequences, through a mechanism not yet determined. The fact that myticin C possesses characteristics of an immune gene, its potential antimicrobial effects, molecular diversity, as well as its early and ubiquitous expression, led us to suggest that myticin C might play an important role in innate immune defense in mussels.

After the Prestige oil spill modifications in NO production and other parameters related to the immune response were detected in hemocytes of Mytilus galloprovincialis

In marine mollusks, many physiologic functions are regulated seasonally depending on such factors as the reproductive cycle or the presence of food. The synthesis of nitric oxide by hemocytes of Mytilus galloprovincialis is among the multiple physiologic actions in the immune response, and it is also affected by season. The maximal basal production of NO by hemocytes of M. galloprovincialis was detected in summer, whereas the minimum values were detected in winter. In winter, the presence of IL-2 induced an increase in NO production that was not detected in summer. Three months after the Prestige oil spill (November 2002), basal NO production by the hemocytes of mussels in the Galician coast showed a progressive decrease and stopping, both in summer and in winter. The characteristic increase of NO synthesis induced by IL-2 in winter also disappeared all through 2003 and 2004. The two different nitric oxide synthases previously identified by immunoblotting between 1999 and 2002 were undetectable in both 2003 and 2004. When comparing the data obtained during 2003 and 2004 to those obtained in previous years, an increase in the proportion of SH cells was detected. Also, these cells showed a higher sensitivity to apoptosis- and necrosis-inducing agents than in earlier years.

Nitric oxide production by haemocytes from Mytilus galloprovincialis shows seasonal variations

Nitric oxide (NO) has been identified as an important physiological modulator, with evidence of its role as a signalling molecule throughout the whole phylogenetic scale. In marine molluscs, it intervenes in processes related to the immune function of haemocytes. The presented results indicate that basal NO production by haemocytes of Mytilus galloprovincialis shows seasonal variations, with summer values statistically higher than those of winter. The presence of IL-2 increased NO production in winter. In summer, incubating the haemocytes with TNF-alpha for 6h slightly increased NO production. LPS, TGF-beta1 or PDGF did not induce significant effects on NO production by the haemocytes. Immunoblotting experiments detected two proteins that bind to vertebrate iNOS and eNOS antibodies, with different seasonal expression: the protein that binds to anti-iNOS antibody was expressed throughout the year, whereas the anti-eNOS antibody bound with a protein that was only detected in winter. IL-2 is suggested to start a signalling system dependent on the seasonal presence of winter protein. Such a system would activate the enzyme, thus favouring the higher NO production detected in winter.

In hemocytes from Mytilus galloprovincialis Lmk., treatment with corticotropin or growth factors conditions catecholamine release

The cells in charge of the innate immune response in the sea mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis Lmk. are the hemocytes, which have the capacity to release catecholamines when subjected to stressing conditions. Hemocytes were kept in culture before stimulation. That is, their behaviour was not studied immediately after extraction from the mollusc, as happens in most studies. This avoids the interference and variability caused by the conditions in which mussels may be when collected. This work describes the great variability found in the pattern of catecholamine release when the hemocytes are stimulated with either corticotropins or growth factors. Dopamine, adrenaline and noradrenaline release differs with each of the inducers assayed, with stimulation time and with the season of hemocyte collection. One of the results presented is particularly remarkable; such is the great amount of adrenaline and noradrenaline released to the medium when the hemocytes obtained in summer are stimulated with transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) for 60 min.

Role of nitric oxide in the defenses of Crassostrea virginica to experimental infection with the protozoan parasite Perkinsus marinus

We investigated the role of nitric oxide (NO) in the responses of the Eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, to the protozoan parasite Perkinsus marinus, causative agent of Dermo disease. P. marinus induced a slight but significant increase in NO production by oyster hemocytes in vitro, comparable to the increase induced by the immune stimulants phorbol myristrate acetate (PMA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). P. marinus also activated the NO response in oysters in vivo, as shown by induction of a protein reacting with a universal NO synthase (NOS) antibody in hemocytes and the presence of high levels of nitrite in plasma. Treatment of experimentally infected oysters with the NOS inhibitor, Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) resulted in a transient decrease in NO levels in oyster plasma and a significant increase in the number of parasites at early time points after infection. The NO donor, S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine (SNAP) caused a significant inhibition in the proliferation of P. marinus cultured cells after 24 h of incubation. These results indicate that NO has a role in decreasing parasite loads at early time points after infection.

Immunological and biochemical responses in Mya arenaria (Mollusca Bivalvia) exposed in vivo to estradiol-17beta

Soft-shell clams Mya arenaria were injected with 10, 20 or 40 nmol of estradiol 17beta (E2). We observed a significant inhibiting effect of E2 on phagocytic activity of hemocytes from clams exposed to 10 and 20 nmol. A dose-response increase of the glycogen phosphorylase in the gonad tended to show a remobilisation of glycogen reserves involved in vitellogenesis although the exposure time must have been too short to observe a decrease in glycogen reserves or an increase in RNA concentration. Both results corroborate those of other studies about estrogen involvement in controlling immune capacity and energy metabolism related to vitellogenesis in bivalves. We can assume that immune parameters should now be taken into consideration in assessing endocrine disruption in bivalves. Nevertheless further studies are needed to understand the controlling pathways of E2 with a special regard on its interactions with other effectors involved in bivalve immunity and reproduction as well.

Demonstration of nitric oxide synthase activity in crustacean hemocytes and anti-microbial activity of hemocyte-derived nitric oxide

We determined the biochemical characteristics of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in hemocytes of the crayfish Procambarus clarkii and investigated the roles of hemocyte-derived NO in host defense. Biochemical analysis indicated the presence of a Ca2+ -independent NOS activity, which was elevated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment. When bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and hemocytes were co-incubated, adhesion of bacteria to hemocytes was observed. NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) significantly increased the numbers of hemocytes to which bacteria adhered. Similarly, LPS elicited bacterial adhesion and the LPS-induced adhesion was prevented by NOS inhibitor NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA). Finally, plate count assay demonstrated that addition of LPS to the hemocytes/bacteria co-incubation resulted in a significant decrease in bacterial colony forming unit (CFU), and that L-NMMA reversed the decreasing effect of LPS on CFU. The combined results demonstrate the presence of a Ca2+ -independent LPS-inducible NOS activity in crayfish hemocytes and suggest that hemocyte-derived NO is involved in promoting bacterial adhesion to hemocytes and enhancing bactericidal activity of hemocytes.

Do trematode parasites disrupt defence-cell signalling in their snail hosts?

More than a decade ago, it was postulated that components derived from trematode parasites block receptors on the defence cells of their snail intermediate hosts, thus preventing host-cell activation and parasite elimination. This phenomenon has still not been investigated extensively. However, recent work concerning the molecular regulation of the molluscan defence response provides a new framework for studies that focus on an extension of this original concept - subversion of host cell signalling by trematode parasites. The hypothesis is that, to facilitate survival and replication in their intermediate hosts, trematode parasites down regulate host defence responses by interfering with key signal-transduction pathways in snail defence cells.

Seasonal changes of nucleotides in mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) mantle tissue

Seasonal variations of nucleotides in Mytilus galloprovincialis mantle tissue were analyzed. Separation and quantification was achieved by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Total nucleotides show a pronounced seasonal variation with maximum and minimum values in autumn and spring, respectively. Adenine nucleotides accounted for the major part in spring and summer, guanosine and cytidine nucleotides in winter; uridine nucleotides were relatively constant throughout the year. Their inverse variation suggests inter-conversion among them and the maintenance of the potential cell energy in winter by other triphosphate nucleotides different from ATP. These results reflect environmental and nutritional conditions, and also the reserves and gametogenic cycles taking place in M. galloprovincialis mantle tissue.

Studies on nitric oxide synthase activity in haemocytes of shrimps Fenneropenaeus chinensis and Marsupenaeus japonicus after white spot syndrome virus infection

The nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity in the haemocytes of shrimps Fenneropenaeus chinensis (Osbeck) and Marsupenaeus japonicus (Bate) was studied after white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infection to determine its characteristics in response to virus infection. First, the NOS activity in haemocytes of shrimps was determined by the means of NBT reduction and changes in cell conformation. And the variations of NOS activity in shrimps after challenge with WSSV intramuscularly were evaluated through the analysis of l-citrulline and total nitrite/nitrate (both as NO derivates) concentrations. The result showed that NOS activity in the haemocytes of F. chinensis increased slightly from 0 to 12 h postchallenge, indicated by the variations of l-citrulline (from 11.15 ± 0.10 to 12.08 ± 0.64 μM) and total nitrite/nitrate concentrations (from 10.45 ± 0.65 to 12.67 ± 0.52 μM). Then it decreased sharply till the end of the experiment (84 h postchallenge), the concentrations of l-citrulline and total nitrite/nitrate at 84 h were 1.58 ± 0.24 and 2.69 ± 0.70 μM, respectively. The LPS-stimulated NOS activity kept constant during the experiment. However, in M. japonicus, the NOS activity kept increasing during the first 72 h postchallenge, the concentrations of l-citrulline and total nitrite/nitrate increased from 7.82 ± 0.77 at 0 h to 10.79 ± 0.50 μM at 72 h, and from 8.98 ± 0.43 at 0 h to 11.20 ± 0.37 μM at 72 h, respectively. Then it decreased till the end of the experiment (216 h postchallenge), and the concentrations of l-citrulline and total nitrite/nitrate at 216 h were 5.66 ± 0.27 and 4.68 ± 0.16 μM, respectively. More importantly, an apparent increase of LPS-stimulated NOS activity was observed in M. japonicus at 48 h postchallenge, which was about 4 times higher than that in the control group of health shrimps. In correspondence with the difference of NOS activity between the two species of shrimps, the cumulative mortalities of the shrimps were also different. All shrimps of F. chinensis in the mortality experiment died in 66 h, much more quickly than M. japonicus, whose accumulative mortality reached 100% after 240 h. Data here reported let us hypothesize that NOS activity in the haemocytes of shrimps F. chinensis and M. japonicus responses to WSSV infection differently, and this might be one of the reasons for the different susceptibility of F. chinensis and M. japonicus to WSSV infection.

HSP70 gene expression in Mytilus galloprovincialis hemocytes is triggered by moderate heat shock and Vibrio anguillarum, but not by V. splendidus or Micrococcus lysodeikticus

Complete sequence of HSP70 cDNA from the mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis was established before quantifying its expression following moderate heat shock or injection of heat-killed bacteria. HSP70 cDNA is comprised of 2378 bp including one ORF of 654 aa, with a predicted 70 bp 5'-UTR and a 343 bp 3'-UTR (GenBank, 18 Jan 05, AY861684). Alignment identity ranged from 89% for Crassostrea ariakensis to 72% for C. virginica. Curiously, HSP70 gene and cDNA sequences from M. galloprovincialis, deposited later (03 and 27 May), show only 73% identity with the present sequence. Meanwhile, characteristic motifs of the HSP70 family were located in conserved positions. Expression of HSP70 gene was quantified on circulating hemocyte mRNA using Q-PCR after RT using random hexaprimers. Housekeeping gene was 28S rRNA. Four stresses were applied: heat shock that consisted of immersing mussels for 90 min at 30 degrees C and returning them to 20 degrees C sea water, one injection of heat-killed Gram-negative bacteria, Vibrio splendidus LGP32, one injection of heat-killed Gram-negative bacteria Vibrio anguillarum, one injection of heat-killed Gram-positive bacteria Micrococcus lysodeikticus. We found no significant modification of 28S rRNA gene expression. Significant increase of 5.2 +/- 0.4 fold the ratio HSP70/28S rRNA was observed 6 h after heat shock and was maximum at 15 h (6.1 +/- 1.1), and still significant after 24 h (1.7 +/- 0.03). Similarly, injecting V. anguillarum resulted in a significant increase of 2.7 +/- 0.1 after 12 h. Expression was maximum after 48 h (5.2 +/- 0.05) and returned to baseline after 72 h. In contrast, injecting V. splendidus or M. lysodeikticus failed to significantly modulate HSP70 gene expression at least during the first 3 days post-injection. Consequently, mussel hemocytes appeared to discriminate between pathogenic and non-pathogenic Vibrios, as well as between Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.