Experimental studies on the response of the fish (Notothenia coriiceps Richardson, 1844) to parasite (Pseudoterranova decipiens Krabbe, 1878) and other irritant stimuli at Antarctic temperatures

In order to better understand the immune response of Notothenia coriiceps t o Pseudoterranova decipiens larvae and other irritant stimuli, we implanted a catgut suture thread, killed P, decipiens larvae and macerated P. decipi ens larvae in the hepatic and muscle tissues of the fish. The response vari ed according to the tissue concerned and the extent of the lesion. The most noticeable immune response occurred with the implant of parasite larvae ma cerate in the liver, which indicates immunological memory, since all the ca ptured fish were found infected with P. decipiens. An intense response also occurred after macrophages had infiltrated the cuticle of the implanted de ad parasite in the liver, which confirms that the cuticle acts as a physica l barrier to the immune system. Nevertheless, the immune response of N. cor iiceps does not appear able to eliminate the infection and the fish in natu re appear to suffer no adverse clinical effects.