Malabsorption syndrome observed in the common octopus Octopus vulgaris infected withAggregata octopiana (Protista: Apicomplexa)

[摘要] ABSTRACT: Octopus vulgaris infected with Aggregata octopiana were collected from an open-water culture system in the Ría of Aldán (NW Spain). Digestive tract infection values were determined with the use of a Neubauer chamber by counting thenumber of A. octopiana sporocysts. After determining enzyme activity values by the colorimetric Api-Zym system Biomerieux^®, one representative enzyme of glycosidases, peptid hydrolases and phosphoric hydrolases showing high activity wasspectrophotometrically analysed. The enzymes were maltase and leucine-aminopeptidase (LAP) involved in the absorption process, and acid phosphatase, a lysosomic enzyme, respectively. Enzymatic activity of maltase and LAP decreased significantly, withincreased sporocyst counts. However, acid phosphatase activity increased with severity of infection, indicating the presence of degradative enzymes from phagocytic cells in the infected area. A detrimental effect on gastrointestinal function may resultfrom a decrease or malfunction of absorption enzymes. The results suggest a malabsorption syndrome resulting from parasitic infection.

[学科分类] 生物科学（综合）

[关键词] Octopus vulgaris;Aggregata octopiana;Absorption enzymes;Maltase;Leucine-aminopeptidase;Acid phosphatase;Lysosomic enzyme