[Lysozyme activities of Oncomelania hupensis in different seasons and ages of snails].

To explore the relationship between the lysozyme activities of Oncomelania hupensis snails among different seasons, and the difference of the lysozyme activities among the different ages of the snails. The homogenate soft tissues of O. hupensis were dissolved with Tris-HCl-TritonX-114 buffer and concentrated, and the enzyme was extracted by centrifugation. There were significant differences of lysozyme activities among different seasons (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter) with the results of 71.33 +/- 4.16 U/mg, 93.67 +/- 7.10 U/mg, 150.33 +/- 10.01 U/mg, 358 +/- 35.38 U/mg,respectively (F = 144.455, P < 0.01). There were also significant differences of the activities between two age groups (adults and young snails) with the results of 93.67 +/- 7.10 U/mg and 69.33 +/- 5.03 U/mg,respectively (t = 4.845, P < 0.05). There are significant differences of the lysozyme activities among different seasons and ages of snails, and the highest lysozyme activity is in winter. The lysozyme activity of adult snails is higher than that of the youth.