Leucocytes derived from head kidney, blood and spleen of turbot, Scophthalm
us maximus (L.), exhibited cytotoxic activities against an established cell
line (RTG-2) derived from rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum). Th
e optimal effector:target ratio, temperature and incubation period for the
activity was determined. Cytotoxicity was not caused by released factors, a
s effector:target contact was needed. Visualization of the cultures under t
he transmission electron microscope corroborated the contact between leucoc
ytes and target cells and suggested the implication of monocyte-like cells
in this cell-mediated cytotoxicity.