Characterisation of cell types in abalone (Haliotis spp.) tissues using immunohistochemical techniques

The increasing popularity of abalone as a seafood delicacy has led to the rapid development of abalone aquaculture worldwide. The commercial and economic importance of this industry has resulted in an increasing interest in the biology of this particular shellfish genus. In this study we focus on the identification of structural, functional and proliferative proteins in two species of abalone shellfish, Haliotis discus hannai and Haliotis tuberculata. Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies that react with proteins in vertebrate and invertebrate tissues were selected and applied to abalone tissues. Cross sections of whole animals were analysed using avidin–biotin immunoperoxidase staining protocols. In total, twenty-four antibodies were tested on shellfish tissues. Six antibodies out of twenty-four detected antigens in Haliotis spp. Cytokeratins, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), neuron specific enolase (NSE), laminin and vimentin were detected in abalone tissues. Positive immunohistochemical results were confirmed using western blot. The expression of these proteins aids in the characterisation of cell types present in abalone tissues, which contributes to a better understanding of the fundamental biology of this shellfish genus.