VITELLOGENIN AND GLUCOSE CONCENTRATIONS IN THE HEMOLYMPH OF WILD AND CONFINED CRAYFISH (AUSTROPOTAMOBIUS PALLIPES LEREBOULLET 1858)

The white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) is a native species in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region of North-Eastern Italy. This species is under threat because of habitat modifications and water pollution. Conservation policies are needed and the present study is the first step of a restocking programme. Vitellogenin and glucose concentrations in hemolymph of wild animals and after a period of acclimation were examined. Preliminary results showed no significant differences in high-density lipoprotein subunits in females after acclimation. Glucose hemolymph values are also close to normal levels and similar between males and females. Three types of blood cells were identified in the hemolymph: hyaline cells and small and large granule hemocytes. We conclude that glucose and vitellogenin concentrations in the hemolymph of crayfish were not modified under artificial rearing. Metabolic variables are suitable indicators of crayfish ovarian maturation and environmental and physiological stress.