15 JULY 1999
LYSOZYME-LIKE AND TRYPSIN-LIKE ACTIVITIES IN THE CYSTS OF ARTEMIA FRANCISCANA KELLOGG, 1906 - IS THERE A PASSIVE IMMUNITY IN A RESTING STAGE?
L. Stabili, A.M. Miglietta, G. Belmonte-1999
Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 237(2): 291-303 (from Current Contents)
Abstract:
Lysozyme-like and trypsin-like activities were looked for in Artemia franciscana dry cysts to ascertain whether this inactive stage has a chemical protection against pathogens (in addition to the physical barrier represented by the cyst envelope). Both the biochemical activities were found either in the cyst content or in the cyst envelope. In particular, two protease activities were recognized. The two protease activities were found in the cyst content, but only one of them was also found in the cyst envelope. It has been supposed that the latter protease could be appointed, along with the lysozyme, to the chemical defence against aggressors of living origins. This is the first report of a lysozyme-like activity in the Artemia cyst, and the first report of trypsin-like protease in the cyst envelope.
(CNR, Ist Sperim Talassograf A Cerruti, I-74100 Taranto, Italy, e-mail of G. Belmonte: belmonte@ilenic.unile.it)