COMPARISON OF THE IMMUNOMODULATORS beta-GLUCAN AND SODIUM ALGINATE ON THE NON-SPECIFIC IMMUNE RESPONSE OF THE SPINY LOBSTER, PANULIRUS INTERRUPTUS (DECAPODA, PALINURA)

Abstract

This study mainly investigated whether beta-glucan or sodium alginate enhance the non-specific immune response of the spiny lobster, Panulirus interruptus. In experiments, lobsters were fed a diet containing one or the other of these compounds, to determine their effect on non-specific immune parameters in the short term (14 days). The lobsters were then bled to examine variance in total haemocyte count (THC), phenoloxidase activity, superoxide anion (O-2(-)) production, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, phagocytic ratio (PR), and phagocytic index (PI). The effects of treatment with various doses of beta-glucan and sodium alginate were determined. The results showed that treatment with 1-2 g of beta-glucan or 2-4 g of sodium alginate significantly increased THC, O-2(-) production, SOD activity, and PR. In conclusion, the immunomodulators beta-glucan and sodium alginate can increase the non-specific immune response in spiny lobsters.