Luminol-dependent chemiluminescence of hemocytes derived from marine and estuarine molluscs

Hemocytes of two marine molluscs, Nerita albicilla (gastropod) and Mytilus edulis (bivalve), were stimulated in vitro with zymosan and live cells of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Escherichia coli as determined by luminol-dependent chemiluminescence (CL). The CL response was enhanced in the presence of the respective molluscan plasma. Hemocytes of an estuarine gastropod, Clithon retropictus, showed low CL response to zymosan and V. parahaemolyticus, which was slightly enhanced in the presence of C. retropictus plasma. Hemocytes of an estuarine bivalve, Corbicula japonica, showed no CL response. CL response of hemocytes might be a useful tool to analyze defense mechanisms of estaurine molluscs.