Phagocytic process of head kidney granulocytes of tench (Tinca tinca, L.)

The phagocytic activity of pronephric granulocytes of spring tench at 22° C was evaluated. The head kidney was chosen because it is known to be the principal hematopoietic organ in teleosts. The granulocytes were isolated by Percoll density gradient centrifugation. Head kidney granulocytes were found capable of adhering both to nylon fibre and to a smooth plastic surface, to have a mobility capacity which is both spontaneous and oriented to a chemoattractant, and be able to attach and ingest Candida albicans (with and without serum) as well as latex beads (inert particles). Moreover, they show candidicidal activity and a capacity to increase NBT (nitroblue tetrazolium) reduction.