Relationship between physiological measurements (SFG -scope for growth-) and the functionality of the digestive gland in Mytilus galloprovincialis.
The present study was aimed to establish the relationship between the functionality of the digestive gland and physiological rates including SFG (scope for growth) in wild mussels, Mytilus galloprovincilis. The experimental set-up consisted in the evaluation of changes in the morphology of the gland, as well as in the activity of some key digestive enzymes (amylase, laminarinase, cellulase and protease) within a broad range of SFG obtained through manipulation of food ration. The higher SFG values were correlated to an increase in both the size of the digestive gland and the activities of enzymes when expressed in relation to individual. In contrast, no clear relations were observed when the activity of enzymes was expressed in relation to soluble protein, with the exception to amylase. The higher protease activities measured in mussels showing lower SFG may reflect an initial stage of catabolic processes intended to compensate the energy deficit produced by food restriction. The potential use of parameters measured in digestive glands in studies of marine pollution was discussed.
Centro Oceanográfico de Murcia, Instituto Español de Oceanografía, IEO, Varadero, 1, 30740, San Pedro del Pinatar, Murcia, Spain. marina.albentosa@mu.ieo.es
Marina
M
Albentosa
Miriam
M
Sánchez-Hernández
Juan Antonio
JA
Campillo
Francisco Javier
FJ
Moyano
D000042:Absorption; D000681:Amylases / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D044602:Cellulases / Q000378:metabolism; D004064:Digestive System / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism*; D004068:Digestive System Physiological Phenomena; D002149:Energy Intake; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D049878:Mytilus / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000502:physiology; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D009929:Organ Size; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases / Q000378:metabolism; D012044:Regression Analysis
D000681:Amylases; D044602:Cellulases; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases