Changes in Penaeus chinensis haemocytes during white spot baculovirus (WSBV)infections

Shrimp have efficient non-specific defence mechanisms based on activities o f the haemocytes to pathogens. In this study, we found that one of the non- specific immune reactions was related to mutual association among types of haemocyte, granular cell, semi-granular cell, and hyaline cell. Haemocyte n umber decreased as time goes by WSBV infection. Haemocyte composition, espe cially granular cells that directly related to phagocytosis, was dramatical ly decreased after WSBV infection. Also, based on these results, we investi gated to effect of immunostimulants for inhibition to viral infection in sh rimp. At this time, increase of haemocyanin was observed by SDS-PAGE.