Variation in Colour of Pseudoterranova decipiens (Nematoda; Anisakidae) Larvae Correlates with Haemoglobin Concentration in the Pseudocoelomic Fluid

Larval sealworm (Pseudoterranova decipiens) were collected from the fillets of Atlantic cod (Gadhus morhua) and the relationship between the colour of the nematodes, which varied from reddish brown to white, and the concentration of haemoglobin in their pseudocoelomic fluid was investigated. The col...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
Main Authors: Dixon, B., Kimmins, W., Pohajdak, B.
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1993
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Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/f93-088
http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/f93-088
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Summary:Larval sealworm (Pseudoterranova decipiens) were collected from the fillets of Atlantic cod (Gadhus morhua) and the relationship between the colour of the nematodes, which varied from reddish brown to white, and the concentration of haemoglobin in their pseudocoelomic fluid was investigated. The colour of the haemoglobin, which makes up greater than 30% of the protein in the pseudocoelomic fluid, is derived from the heme group. As the heme copurifies with the protein and does not exist in the free form, colour variations in the nematode may, therefore, be due to differences in haemoglobin content. We investigate the possible regulation of levels of this protein and discuss the mechanisms by which this regulation would be achieved.