HPLC analysis of free amino acids in biomphalaria alexandrina snails under the influence of larval parasitic infection and starvation

The free amino acids composition were determined in control as well as in schistosome miracidial-exposed and cercarial shedding Biomphalaria alexandrina snails using high performance liquid chromatography [HPLC]. Moreover the free amino acids profile of one-week starved snails was also investigated. Two-weeks-post exposure induced marked elevation of most of the investigated amino acids except serine, arginine and threonine. On the other hand, cerearial shedding snails induced depletion of most of the studied amino acids, accompanied by an increase in tyrosine, cystine, phenyl alanine and leucine. Starved snails show altered amino acid profile compared to age-matching control. This study revealed that amino acid profile of the Biomphalaria alexandrina snails is of critical importance for the development of Schistosoma mansoni larvae

Effect of excess vitamin C on certain biochemical parameters in laboratory bred biomphalaria alexandrina snails

The effect of two concentrations [100 and 200 ppm] of ascorbic acid [which is abundant in lettuce leaves, the principal diet of laboratory bred snails] was studied on DNA and RNA contents, aspartate and alanine aminotransferases in B. alexandrina snails after 72 hrs and 1 week exposure. Furthermore, the effect of vitamin C on egg laying of these snails was investigated. It was observed that excess vitamin C caused a marked decrease in the content of both DNA and RNA. On the other hand, the activity of alanine aminotransferase in tissue homogenate and hemolymph was mostly affected at the dose of 200 ppm ascorbic acid after 72 hrs exposure, while aspartate aminotransferase was slightly affected. In addition, ovulation of snails was reduced by ascorbic acid treatment