[Lysozyme activities of Oncomelania hupensis in different seasons and ages of snails].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the relationship between the lysozyme activities of Oncomelania hupensis snails among different seasons, and the difference of the lysozyme activities among the different ages of the snails.


METHODS
The homogenate soft tissues of O. hupensis were dissolved with Tris-HCl-TritonX-114 buffer and concentrated, and the enzyme was extracted by centrifugation.


RESULTS
There were significant differences of lysozyme activities among different seasons (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter) with the results of 71.33 +/- 4.16 U/mg, 93.67 +/- 7.10 U/mg, 150.33 +/- 10.01 U/mg, 358 +/- 35.38 U/mg,respectively (F = 144.455, P < 0.01). There were also significant differences of the activities between two age groups (adults and young snails) with the results of 93.67 +/- 7.10 U/mg and 69.33 +/- 5.03 U/mg,respectively (t = 4.845, P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
There are significant differences of the lysozyme activities among different seasons and ages of snails, and the highest lysozyme activity is in winter. The lysozyme activity of adult snails is higher than that of the youth.
Department of Parasitology, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241001, China.
Chun-lan
CL
Huang
Department of Parasitology, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241001, China.
Shu-lin
SL
Zhou
Department of Parasitology, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241001, China.
Chao-pin
CP
Li
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D009113:Muramidase / Q000378:metabolism*; D012621:Seasons; D012908:Snails / Q000201:enzymology*
D009113:Muramidase