Lack of Hemocyte Chemiluminescence Stimulation by Perkinsus marinus in Eastern Oysters Crassostrea virginica with Dermo Disease

Abstract

Phagocytosis of zymosan A particles by hemocytes of eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica stimulates the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are easily quantified by luminol-augmented chemiluminescence (CL). Antimicrobial defense mechanisms of hemocytes may involve the activity of cytotoxic ROS. The CL response to phagocytosis of zymosan by hemocytes from C. virginica with advanced Perkinsus marinus infections is more elevated than that produced by zymosan in cells from uninfected oysters. This effect is perhaps akin to macrophage activation. Phagocytosis of P. marinus cells by hemocytes withdrawn from uninfected oysters produced no detectable CL response. Hemocytes withdrawn from oysters with P. marinus infections ranging from light to heavy were evaluated for CL responses after phagocytosis of zymosan or P. marinus. Increases in CL stimulation by zymosan were seen as the intensity of infection increased. Despite avid phagocytosis of P. marinus, CL activity of the hemocytes was not seen, regardless of the level of infection of the host. Lack of hemocytic ROS stimulation by ingestion of P. marinus cells may contribute to in vivo survival of this parasite.