A thin-layer chromatography-densitometry assay for intracellular lipase activity in bivalves (Argopecten purpuratus)

Abstract

This study provides a method for the determination of lipase activity in bivalves. Using this method, lipase activities were studied in extracts of digestive gland of Argopecten purpuratus fed a diet that mimics the food available in natural ecosystems over a short-term experiment (24–72 h). The scallops were acclimated to standard conditions seven days prior to initiating the enzymatic analysis. The diet consisted of a mixture of laboratory-cultured Isochrysis galbana and natural sediment. For the acclimation diet (control diet), a total particulate concentration of 3.9 mg L–1 was used with an organic content of 1.7 mg L–1 (42.5%), of which 28% were lipids. The experimental diet had a total particulate concentration of 20.8 mg L–1 with 26% of organic content, of which 20% were lipids. The effect of diet and experimental time on lipase activity was analyzed. The response of the intracellular lipases to changes in the food offered was abrupt and lower investment in enzymatic activity was observed with the experimental diet. No significant effects were observed either for the time or for the combined diet and time interaction.

Keywords

• bivalves
• lipase activity
• thin-layer chromatography-densitometry
• free fatty acids
• digestive gland