ANALYSIS OF PHAGOCYTOSIS OF FISH LEUKOCYTES USING A BACTERIAL THIN-LAYER METHOD

A method for estimating phagocytic activity of leucocytes using a bact erial thin-layer was applied for carp and rainbow trout leucocytes aga inst Edwardsiella tarda. Blood was added onto petri dishes of which th e buttom was coated with the bacteria. The number and area of plaques formed on the thin-layer were measured as indices of phagocytic activi ty at 10, 20 and 30 degrees C using a computer program. Phagocytosis o f carp leucocytes was most active at 30 degrees C. In rainbow trout, t he total plaque area and number of plaques were maximal at 20 degrees C and average plaque area was largest at 30 degrees C.