Modulation of leukocytic populations of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) by the intestinal parasite Enteromyxum leei (Myxozoa: Myxosporea)

SUMMARYThe cellular mucosal and systemic effectors of gilthead sea bream (GSB) (Sparus aurata) involved in the acute immune response to the intestinal parasite Enteromyxum leei were studied in fish experimentally infected by the anal route. In the intestinal inflammatory infiltrates and in lymphohaematopoietic organs (head kidney and spleen) of parasitized fish, the number of plasma cells, B cells (IgM immunoreactive) and mast cells (histamine immunoreactive) were significantly higher, whereas the number of acidophilic granulocytes (G7 immunoreactive) decreased, compared with non-parasitized and unexposed fish. These differences were stronger at the posterior intestine, the main target of the parasite, and no differences were found in the thymus. In non-parasitized GSB, the percentage of splenic surface occupied by melanomacrophage centres was significantly higher. These results suggest that the cellular response of GSB to E. leei includes proliferation of leukocytes in lymphohaematopoietic organs and recruitment into intestines via blood circulation involving elements of innate and adaptive immunity. Acidophilic granulocytes and mast cells presented opposite patterns of response to the parasite infection, with an overall depletion of the former and an increased amount of the latter. Some differences between both cell types were also detected in regard to their granule density and cell morphology.

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Evidence for a direct action of GH on haemopoietic cells of a marine fish, the gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata)

Journal of Endocrinology ◽

10.1677/joe.0.1460459 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 146 (3) ◽

pp. 459-467 ◽

Cited By ~ 45

Author(s):

J A Calduch-Giner ◽

A Sitjà-Bobadilla ◽

P Álvarez-Pellitero ◽

J Pérez-Sánchez

Keyword(s):

Binding Sites ◽

Sparus Aurata ◽

Binding Capacity ◽

Specific Binding ◽

Head Kidney ◽

Gilthead Sea Bream ◽

Sea Bream ◽

Single Class ◽

Lower Vertebrate

Abstract Receptors for GH were characterized in the head kidney of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata), using radioiodinated and biotinylated ligands. The specific binding of radiolabelled recombinant gilthead sea bream GH (rsbGH) to head kidney membrane preparations was dependent on membrane concentration. Salmon prolactin, salmon gonadotrophin and carp gonadotrophin did not compete for 125I-labelled rsbGH-binding sites. Unlabelled rsbGH competitively displaced 125I-labelled rsbGH bound to head kidney membranes. Scatchard plots were always linear, denoting the presence of a single class of binding sites. The binding affinity (Ka=2·7 × 109 m−1) was equivalent to that found in liver membrane preparations, but the binding capacity (2·5 ±0·30 fmol/mg protein) was 50- to 75-fold lower. To identify the cells which express the GH receptor, head kidney smears were incubated with biotinylated rsbGH, followed by incubation with an avidin–biotin complex conjugated to alkaline phosphatase. The reaction with the new-fuchsin substrate gave a red precipitate, showing a specific and intense labelling in erythroblasts, polychromatophilic erythroblasts and myeloblasts. Noticeable binding was observed in myelocytes and immature granulocytes, tending to disappear at the latter stages of granulocyte maturation. Light but appreciable binding was also observed in monocytes, lymphocytes and acidophilic erythroblasts, whereas it was completely absent in proerythrocytes and erythrocytes. The proliferative action of rsbGH and recombinant human IGF-I on in vitro cultures of head kidney cells was demonstrated by a 5-bromo-2′-deoxy-uridine immunoassay. To our knowledge, this is the first report that provides suitable evidence for a role of GH as a haemopoietic growth and differentiation factor in lower vertebrate species. Journal of Endocrinology (1995) 146, 459–467

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