Abstract
Factors affecting the chemiluminescent (CL) response of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) phagocytes were investigated. The cells were stimulated by the addition of Vibrio anguillarum or zymosan to the cultures in the presence of luminol as an amplifier. The CL was dose-dependent on the concentrations of luminol and zymosan, and the number of phagocytes and V. anguillarum. Living V. anguillarum elicited rapid and strong CL of phagocytes regardless of opsonization of the bacteria with fresh, normal rainbow trout serum. Opsonized formalin-killed bacteria induced a slow, low CL response, and no CL was elicited by non-opsonized, killed bacteria. Phagocytes isolated from the peritoneal cavity, head kidney, spleen and peripheral blood showed similar CL patterns.
