Hemocytes of Biomphalaria glabrata: Factors affecting variability

Variability in the hemocyte number of two geographic strains of Biomphalaria glabrata was studied. In each strain a logarithmic increase in hemocyte number associated with increasing shell size was observed. A two fold increase in circulating hemocytes occurred 2 hr following the exposure of a susceptible strain of B. glabrata to miracidia of Schistosoma mansoni. The hemocyte number was dependent on the temperatures at which the snails were maintained.