Lysozyme activity and protein concentration in the haemolymph of the flat oyster Ostrea edulis (L.)

Lysozyme activity and protein concentration in the haemolymph of the flat o yster Ostrea edulis were investigated. These biochemical constituents of th e haemolymph could be an indication of the physiological condition and vita lity of the defence system of an animal. Haemolymph protein and lysozyme in oysters were examined over an 18 month period to determine their relations hip with the strain of oyster, the season, the site, and parasitism by Bona mia ostreae. Haemolymph protein concentration exhibited seasonal fluctuatio ns and varied between strains. Levels of protein in oysters highly infected with B. ostreae were slightly depressed but not significantly so. Haemolym ph lysozyme varied greatly between individuals but no correlation was found between lysozyme levels and infection of oysters by B. ostreae. (C) 2001 A cademic Press.