Manganese effects on haematopoietic cells and circulating coelomocytes of Asterias rubens (Linnaeus)

Abstract Manganese (Mn) is a naturally abundant metal in marine sediments where it mainly occurs as MnO 2 . During hypoxic conditions it is converted into a bioavailable state, Mn 2+ , and can reach levels that previously have shown effects on immune competent cells of the crustacean, Nephrops norvegicus . Here we investigated if Mn also affects circulating coelomocytes and their renewal in the common sea star, Asterias rubens , when exposed to concentrations of Mn that can be found in nature. When the sea stars were exposed to Mn it accumulated in the coelomic fluid and the number of circulating coelomocytes, in contrast to what was recorded in Nephrops , increased significantly. By using …