THE IMMUNOMODULATORY EFFECT OF LPS, LAMINARAN AND SULFATED LAMINARAN [BETA(1,3)-D-GLUCAN] ON ATLANTIC SALMON, SALMO-SALAR L, MACROPHAGES IN-VITRO

The stimulatory effect of LPS (Vibrio anguillarum), laminaran and sulp hated laminaran, aqueous soluble beta(1,6)-branched beta(1,3)-D-glucan obtained from Laminaria hyperborea, on head kidney macrophages of Atl antic salmon, Salmo salar L., is reported. The macrophages, after stim ulation with LPS or laminaran, showed pronounced spreading, membrane r uffling and increased organelle content when examined by light microsc opy. LPS stimulation induced enhanced phagocytic and pinocytic activit y, higher intracellular production of superoxide anion, and higher act ivity of acid phosphatase compared to control cells. Native laminaran stimulated the cells to pinocytose more fluid phase, increase the intr acellular production of superoxide anion and to elevate the activity o f acid phosphatase. Sulphated laminaran induced higher production of s uperoxide anion and higher activity of acid phosphatase by macrophages than in control cells.