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

ABSTRACT

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