| Shellfish industry is mostly realized in estuary zones, which are subjected to pollutions due to anthropic activities. The harmful effects of pollutants on animals inhabiting these estuarine zones are poorly known. Among these animals, Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas, may represent a model because they are sedentary and they filter water intensively. Among all physiological functions possibly disturbed by pollutants, defence mechanisms are poorly studied in bivalves. Moreover, animals presenting impaired defence mechanisms may be more sensitive to infectious diseases. In this context, effects of pollutants on hemocyte functions and on sensitiveness to diseases were tested in C. gigas. After adjusting the protocols for the monitoring of hemocyte... |
