FIGURE 3.

The effect of NAC on the total circulating hemocyte number. A, the total hemocyte count (THC) 16, 24, 48, 56, 72 and 120 h post-injection of NAC or CPBS (control) was examined. B, total hemocyte count 24, 48, and 72 h post-injection with PBS (control), LPS, or NAC together with LPS. Three to six crayfish were used in each experimental group. The relative hemocyte number was calculated by dividing the hemocyte number after injection with the number prior to injection. The columns represent the mean of three to six crayfish, and the error bars represent the S.D. value. The statistical analysis was performed using two-way analysis of variance. *, p < 0.05; **, p < 0.01; ***, p < 0.001 indicate a significant difference compared with the control.