Growth and srif-like substance(s) in the snail Helix aspersa maxima fed with an arginin-enriched food at different times of a short daily photophase

Abstract

1. 1. The study of the growth of Helix aspersa maxima bred under short light conditions and fed with a standard or arginin-enriched food supplied at different times of the photophase was performed using amino acid analysis and radioimmunoassays of SRIF-like substance(s). 2. 2. Arginin does not appear as a stimulant growth factor. 3. 3. Growing snails synthesize more SRIF-like substance(s) than adults do. 4. 4. It is better for snails to eat at the end of the photophase (best growth correlative to the highest SRIF-like concentrations).