The hemocyte-producing tissue in hard shell clams (genus Mercenaria) is unknown. In this MQP, an antibody against Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) was used to identify areas of rapid cell division in the clam, with the goal of locating hematopoietic tissue. Anti-PCNA immunoreactivity was detected in tissues known to cycle rapidly (e.g. ovotestis and gut epithelium), and in some hemocytes in and around foci of inflammation. These findings indicate that mouse anti-PCNA recognizes the clam epitope. Furthermore, when triggered by an immune response, hematopoiesis in the hard clam may be occurring directly at the site of inflammation.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Hanselmann, Rhea.

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 00B018M

Advisor

• Gibson, Daniel G.

Year

• 2000

Sponsor

• Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA

Date created

• 2000-01-01

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biology & Biotechnology

Rights statement

• In Copyright