Evolution of digestion of carbohydrates in the separate parts of the digestive tract of the edible snail Helix lucorum (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Stylommatophora) during a complete 24-hour cycle and the first days of starvation.

In the present study we examined carbohydrase activities during a complete 24-h cycle and during the first days of starvation in both adult and juvenile snails. The results indicated the predominant role of the digestive gland in the secretions of the enzymes responsible for degradation of most of the carbohydrates tested. Salivary glands secreted some digestive enzymes but in amounts lower than secreted by digestive gland. Enzymatic activities fluctuated during the first hours of digestion and also after the digestive tract was empty. The relatively high enzymatic activities recorded 24 h after the intake of food and during starvation could be due to the circadian rhythm of this species and/or to the participation of an existing microflora in the digestive tract of Helix lucorum. The double origin (exogenous and endogenous) of some digestive enzymes such as cellulases is discussed.