Epithelial immunity in a marine invertebrate: a cytolytic activity from a cuticular secretion of the American horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus
Harrington, J.M.; Leippe, M.; Armstrong, P.B. (2008). Epithelial immunity in a marine invertebrate: a cytolytic activity from a cuticular secretion of the American horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus. Mar. Biol. (Berl.) 153(6): 1165-1171. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00227-007-0888-5
In: Marine Biology: International Journal on Life in Oceans and Coastal Waters. Springer: Heidelberg; Berlin. ISSN 0025-3162; e-ISSN 1432-1793, more
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| Authors | | Top |
- Harrington, J.M.
- Leippe, M.
- Armstrong, P.B.
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| Abstract |
The cuticle of the American horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus, is largely free of the macroscopic epibionts that rapidly colonize most solid surfaces exposed to sea water. Here, we describe a viscous surface secretion that coats the carapace of the horseshoe crab. We report methods for stimulating production of the substance, identify hemolytic and liposome-permeabilizing activities and provide a partial biochemical characterization. We propose that this secretion functions as an anti-fouling agent protecting the chitinized epithelium of the cuticle from colonization by deleterious epibionts. |
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