Phenoloxidases in ascidian hemocytes: characterization of the prophenoloxidase activating system
- Autori: Parrinello, N; Arizza, V; Chinnici, C; Parrinello, D; Cammarata, M
- Anno di pubblicazione: 2003
- Tipologia: Articolo in rivista (Articolo in rivista)
- Parole Chiave: Tunicate; Phenoloxidase; Hemocyte; Styela plicata; Phallusia mammillata; Ciona intestinalis; Cell separation; Immunity
- OA Link: http://hdl.handle.net/10447/65054
Abstract
The phenoloxidase (PO) activity of the hemocytes lysate supernatant from three ascidians species, assayed by means of 3-methyl-2-benzothiazolinone hydrazone hydrochloride, have been compared. PO-containing hemocytes were identified by a cytochemical reaction and the enzymatic activity measured by a spectrophotometric assay of lysate supernatant from hemocyte populations separated on a discontinuous Percoll density gradient. In Styela plicata, the enzyme appeared to be contained in morula cells only. In Ciona intestinalis, PO activity was shown in univacuolar refractile granulocyte and granular hemocyte. In Phallusia mammillata both compartment cell and granular hemocytes were positive. Enzymatic assay following electrophoretic analysis on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) or SDS-PAGE indicated that hemocyte lysate presented orthodiphenoloxidase (catecholase) activity. The enzymes from the three species differed in molecular size, activating substances and trypsin sensitivity. 2003 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.