Effects of X-ray irradiation on haemocytes of Procambarus clarkii (Arthropoda: Decapoda) males

AbstractThe red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii is an invasive alien species spreading worldwide. The sterile male release technique (SMRT) is among the methods used to contrast the growth of P. clarkii populations within invaded areas. In this study males underwent X-ray sterilisation with a dose of 40 Gy and their immunocompetence was analysed in comparison to untreated animals to ascertain whether radiation can affect welfare parameters other than reproductive organs. The present research investigated the immune function in P. clarkii males in term of (1) morphological haemocyte characterisation by transmission electron microscopy to identify the main phagocyting haemocyte after in vivo artificial non-self challenge with latex beads; (2) total and differential haemocyte counts; and (3) basal and total phenoloxidase activities as components of the humoral defence. Three types of circulating haemocytes were characterised via transmission electron microscopy: hyaline, semigranular and granular haemocyt...