title: Effects of water temperature change on immune function in surf clams, Mactra veneriformis (Bivalvia: Mactridae).
abstract: Surf clam, Mactra veneriformis is one of the crucial fishery resources in Korea. This study was performed to examine the immune functions of the surf clam under the stress of water temperature changes at 10 degrees C, 20 degrees C or 30 degrees C for 24h. Viable bacterial counts (VBC), total haemocyte count (THC), phagocytic activity, lysozyme activity, NRR times and SOD activity were assessed in three different water temperature groups. Clams held at 10 degrees C decreased in THC, lysozyme activity and NRR times, but phagocytic activity was increased. The highest temperature (30 degrees C) significantly increased in THC, whereas it decreased in phagocytic activity, lysozyme activity and NRR times. In clams maintained at 20 degrees C, phagocytic activity, lysozyme activity and NRR times were increased whereas THC was somewhat decreased with respect to clams held at 30 degrees C. However, water temperature changes did not elicit any alteration of VBC and SOD activity. The present study demonstrates that acute water temperature change affects the haemocytic and haemolymphatic functions, reducing immunosurveillance in stressed surf clam, M. veneriformis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Aquatic Life Medicine, Kunsan National University, Gunsan, Jeollabukdo 573-301, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Jin Ha
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: Jae Hee
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Song
authors.forename: Min Chul
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Sung Woo
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Park
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000662:veterinary; D049872:Bivalvia / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology; D004777:Environment; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions / Q000276:immunology; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000276:immunology; D014867:Water
chemical_list: D014867:Water