Sperm-duct gland secretion of the grass goby Zosterisessor ophiocephalus exhibits antimicrobial activity.
- Resource Type
- Article
- Authors
- Giacomello, E.; Marri, L.; Marchini, D.; Mazzoldi, C.; Rasotto, M. B.
- Source
- Journal of Fish Biology. Nov2008, Vol. 73 Issue 7, p1823-1828. 6p. 1 Chart.
- Subject
- *GOBIIDAE
*PERCIFORMES
*GRAM-negative bacteria
*PATHOGENIC microorganisms
*FISHES
*BIOLOGY
- Language
- ISSN
- 0022-1112
The grass goby Zosterisessor ophiocephalus sperm-duct gland extract displayed antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. This suggests that sperm-duct gland mucins might be functional in protecting eggs and possibly parents from pathogens, an activity of great adaptive value for Z. ophiocephalus, which lays eggs in mud nests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]