Defence mechanisms and reactions in the Indian spiny lobster Panulirus homarus (Linnaeus): responses to bacterial infection

摘要

Changes in haemolymph constituents and cellular and humoral immune responses of Indian spiny lobster during bacterial challenge and shell-disease were studied. Shell-disease resulted in a reduction of about 66% of total haemocyte counts and significant changes in differential haemocyte counts. The hyalocyte cell numbers increased and the numbers of prohyalocytes, eosinophilic granulocytes and chromophobic granulocytes decreased in diseased lobsters. Injection of Vibrio alginolyticus at 107)> cells/lobster resulted in in vivo phagocytosis. Blood serum contained agglutinins for antigens such as fish red blood cells and bacteria.