ISOLATION, CULTIVATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF HEAD KIDNEY MACROPHAGES FROM ATLANTIC COD, GADUS-MORHUA L

Head kidney macrophages from Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua L., were isola ted by density sedimentation and maintained under serum-free condition s for up to one week. The cells adhered and spread well on glass and p lastic, were highly phagocytic, and had typical macrophage morphology as shown by phase contrast and scanning and transmission electron micr oscopy. Histochemical studies with the light microscope showed that th e macrophages were acid phosphatase and non-specific esterase positive , and alkaline phosphatase and peroxidase negative. Compared with unst imulated control cells, LPS-treated cells showed enhanced superoxide a nion formation, as measured by the reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium, and increased levels of acid phosphatase activity.