CONSTITUENTS OF THE HEMOLYMPH OF THE LOBSTER, HOMARUS AMERIGANUS MILNE EDWARDS

Abstract

Electrophoretic and sedimentation analyses were made on the plasma and serum of the hemolymph of the lobster Homarus americanus, and on purified hemocyanin and fibrinogen prepared from these. Amino acid analyses of these two proteins and the plasma, and of the free amino acids of the plasma were also determined. Fibrinogen maintained its function and character upon isolation. It was completely and selectively removed from the plasma by stirring with small amounts of oleic acid. The pH of the hemolymph was 7.6; this was a stable characteristic. The lactic acid in the hemolymph of lobsters held unfed in a disturbing environment at first increased fivefold and then returned to normal; the carbohydrate level remained unchanged.