Antibacterial substances and characteristics of the haemolymph of Chilopoda and Diplopoda (Myriapoda, Arthropoda)

Abstract

The antibacterial characteristics of the haemolymph of Chilopoda and Diplopoda are reviewed and new results are presented. Substances acting against gram-negative as well as gram-positive bacteria and haemolysins have been found in the haemolymph (in haemocytes and in the plasma) of various species. These substances are sensitive against heating. In general, the chilopods tested showed higher antibacterial activity than the diplopods. Some substances occur permanently in the haemolymph but their amount can be increased by immunisation (with bacteria or cell-wall components). Age had no effect on antibacterial activity. One of these substances is lysozyme, the MWs of which range from 15.5 to 16.5 kD with regard to the species tested. Although substances in Triaenostreptus spec. showed similarity with cecropins in PAGE under acidic conditions, antibodies against cecropin A from Hyalophora cecropia Linnaeus, 1758 did not react with substances in the haemolymph of the myriapods tested.