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An analysis of the primary and secondary antibody response in intact and thymectomized rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, to human gamma globulin and Aeromonas salmonicida
Author(s) -
Tatner M. F.,
Adams A.,
Leschen W.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
journal of fish biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.672
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1095-8649
pISSN - 0022-1112
DOI - 10.1111/j.1095-8649.1987.tb05224.x
Subject(s) - biology , rainbow trout , aeromonas salmonicida , salmo , gamma globulin , antibody response , antibody , fish <actinopterygii> , immunology , zoology , fishery
The antibody response to human gamma globulin (HGG) and Aeromonas salmonicida (AS) in control and long‐term thymectomized rainbow trout was individually monitored in 120 fish. The fish responded poorly to HGG and no memory response was observed. There was no difference in response between control fish and fish which had been thymectomized for 5 months before immunization. However, 9‐month thymectomized fish had lower titres than controls. The response to AS was vigorous and significant memory was demonstrated after a second injection. There was no difference in response between control and thymectomized fish. The individual variation in response was not related to body size, antigen dose, sex or reproductive state. The results are discussed in terms of the thymus dependency or independency of antigens in fish, and the role and life span of T cell subsets, such as ‘helper’ and ‘;suppressor’ cells.