Effects of starvation on biochemical composition and digestive enzyme activities in the hepatopancreas of the shrimp Metapenaeus ensis

Abstract

- ABSTRACT: The present study investigates the changes in biochemical composition and digestive enzyme activities of the hepatopancreas in the shrimp Metapenaeus ensis during starvation. Hepatopancreas of shrimp starved for 2, 4, 8, and 16 days was isolated for analyses. Protein concentration did not differ significantly after starvation. Lipid and carbohydrate concentrations in the hepatopancreas of shrimp starved for 16 days were about 30% and 60% of those of daily-fed shrimp, respectively. During the same period, activities of amylase and protease declined to 30% and 50% of the values in daily-fed shrimp, respectively. These results suggest that nutrient reserves in the hepatopancreas are utilized during starvation and the levels of digestive enzymes depend on food availability