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 to Pseudoterranova decipiens larvae and other irritant stimuli, we implanted a catgut suture thread, killed P. decipiens larvae and macerated P. decipiens larvae in the hepatic and muscle tissues of the fish. The response varied according to the tissue concerned and the extent of the lesion. The most noticeable immune response occurred with the implant of parasite larvae macerate in the liver, which indicates immunological memory, since all the captured fish were found infected with P. decipiens. An intense response also occurred after macrophages had infiltrated the cuticle of the implanted dead parasite in the liver, which confirms that the cuticle acts as a physical barrier to the immune system. Nevertheless, the immune response of N. coriiceps does not appear able to eliminate the infection and the fish in nature appear to suffer no adverse clinical effects. Accepted: 19 June 1999