ISSN 2348-313X (Print) International Journal of Life Sciences Research ISSN 2348-3148 (online) Vol. 8, Issue 4, pp: (1-9), Month: October - December 2020, Available at: www.researchpublish.com
THE SELF-PROTECTIVE ROLE OF THE MIDGUT GLAND LECTIN (TcLec) IN THE RUSTY MILLIPEDE, T. CORALLINUS 1 1,3
*Anitha C, 2Basil Rose M.R, 3Arokya Glory P.T
Assistant Professor, 2Associate Professor, Department of Zoology, Holy Cross College (Autonomous), Nagercoil, affiliated to Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli-627 012 Email: anitha.c@holycrossngl.edu.in
Abstract: The midgut gland of the rusty millipede, Trigoniulus corallinus contains lectin specific for Gal β1-3 linkage and N-acetyl sialic acid. Biological role of the midgut gland lectin (TcLec) of the rusty millipede, T. corallinus was studied based on induction and clearance analysis, using erythrocytes of diverse origin as pathogen model. All the erythrocytes when injected into the hemocoel, inspite of their agglutinability and concentration revealed enhanced production of lectin following an initial reduction in HA titre in all the tested tissues except hemolymph. Experiments on clearance of the injected lectin coated and uncoated erythrocytes of diverse agglutinability into the hemocoel showed a positive correlation between the extent of the agglutination and lectin coating on in vivo clearance. Hemolysis of the injected erythrocytes in vitro revealed that hemocytes recognize and lyse the lectin coated erythrocytes much faster than the uncoated erythrocytes confirming that the lectin act as an ‘opsonin’ which is a prerequisite for hemocyte mediated lysis and clearance. Keywords: Agglutination, Erythrocytes, Induction, Clearance, Midgut gland, Opsonin, Lectin.
1. INTRODUCTION Invertebrates adopt a rapid and efficient innate system to recognize and destroy “non-self” material, including pathogens. The innate immune system of invertebrates can respond to the presence of pathogens with cellular and humoral responses (Lee 2001). In general, invertebrate immune system relies on non-self recognition molecules to ensure efficient defense response. Lectins are well known to actively participate in the defense functions of vertebrates and invertebrates where they play an important role in the recognition of foreign particles (Jing et al. 2011). Lectins act as a bridge between the carbohydrates in foreign cells and those on phagocytic cells (Sharon 1984). Lectins present in the hemolymph/tissues of invertebrates are regarded as potential molecules that protect the primitive organisms from invading microbes that threaten their survival (Marques and Barracco 2000). The lectin in the rusty millipede may play an important role in the innate immune defense of the organism which can be verified by inducing immune response by administering pathogens or model pathogens (erythrocytes). If lectins play a defense role in the biology of the millipede and act as „opsonin‟, there will be augmentation in lectin production following the entry of pathogen. To test this hypothesis, the rusty millipede, T. corallinus was challenged with lectin coated and uncoated erythrocytes (pathogen model) of diverse agglutinability and the rate of induction, clearance and hemolysis were analysed.
2. MATERIALS AND METHODS Millipede collection and maintenance The millipede, T. corallinus was collected from swampy areas of the house hold and coconut groves of different localities (Nattalam, Elavuvilai, Arumanai, Panachamoodu, Nagercoil) in Kanniyakumari District, Tamilnadu following monsoon and was identified by the Zoological Survey of India, Chennai. They were kept in large cement tanks containing moist bricks, trunk of plantain tree or dried decaying leaves and fed with raw potatoes, cucumber, cabbage and papaya. Millipedes adapted to the laboratory conditions readily, as evidenced by their molting, copulation and deposition of eggs.
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