Regular Article
Immunocytochemical and flow cytometric analysis of B cells and plasma cells in carp (Cyprinus carpio L.); an ontogenetic study

https://doi.org/10.1006/fsim.1994.1003Get rights and content

Abstract

The ontogeny of B cells and plasma cells in carp (2 weeks-16 months) was studied at 21·5°C. Percentages of surface immunoglobulin positive (sIg+) lymphoid cells in pro- and mesonephros, spleen, thymus and blood were determined by flow cytometry. Plasma cells were studied with a dual-colour immunofluorescence technique in order to discriminate between sIg and cytoplasmic Ig (cIg). Although a limited number of B cells (<1% of lymphoid cells) were found in 2-week-old carp, plasma cells could not be detected at this age. From 1 month onwards (sIg+) plasma cells could be detected in pro- and mesonephros but not or only occasionally in spleen, thymus or blood. The percentage of plasma cells which were sIg+ decreased with age from 100% sIg+ plasma cells at 1 month of age to the level found in adults (80%). Percentages of B cells and (sIg++sIg-) plasma cells increased during the development of the carp reaching a plateau at about 3 months of age for plasma cells and around 8 months of age for B cells. The ontogeny of the carp (humoral) immune system is discussed with respect to these data.

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