Biochemical indicators, cell apoptosis, and metabolomic analyses of the low-temperature stress response and cold tolerance mechanisms in Litopenaeus vannamei

Abstract The cold tolerance of Litopenaeus vannamei is important for breeding in specific areas. To explore the cold tolerance mechanism of L. vannamei, this study analyzed biochemical indicators, cell apoptosis, and metabolomic responses in cold-tolerant (Lv-T) and common (Lv-C) L. vannamei under low-temperature stress (18 °C and 10 °C). TUNEL analysis showed a significant increase in apoptosis of hepatopancreatic duct cells in L. vannamei under low-temperature stress. Biochemical analysis showed that Lv-T had significantly increased levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and triglycerides (TG), while alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH-L), and uric acid (UA) levels were significantly decreased compared to Lv-C (p