Changes induced by two strains of Vibrio splendidus in haemocyte subpopulations of Mya arenaria, detected by flow cytometry with LysoTracker.

Flow-cytometric characterisation of bivalve haemocytes is usually performed by light-scatter profiles based on size and complexity of the cells. Additional means of characterisation such as specific fluorescent dyes are not commonly used to discriminate cell subpopulations in challenged and unchallenged haemocytes. In the present study, we characterise the changes in haemocyte subpopulations of soft-shell clam Mya arenaria induced by in vivo challenge with 2 strains of Vibrio splendidus by using a fluorescent probe.