Ultrastructure of the Spleen and Head Kidney of Striped Bass

Abstract

The spleen and head kidney of striped bass Morone saxatilis were examined by electron microscopy, including examination of ultrastructural localization of peroxidase. The spleen is composed of a loosely organized reticulum that supports the red and white pulp. The principal hematopoietic and mature blood cells observed were erythrocytes, erythroblasts, lymphocytes, macrophages, thrombocytes, and aggregates of pigmented macrophages. In addition, limited numbers of neutrophils, neutrophilic myelocytes (immature neutrophils), plasma cells, eosinophils and monocytes were identified. Reticular cells and fibers appeared to provide a structural framework for both cells and blood sinuses in the spleen. Like the spleen, the head kidney contained erythrocytes, macrophages, monocytes, lymphocytes, and other less frequently observed cell types. A distinct difference in the cytologic composition of the two organs, however, was in the greater number of neutrophilic myelocytes found in the head kidney, where these cells were often arranged in groups. Positive peroxidase reactions were observed for neutrophils, neutrophilic myelocytes, macrophage phagolysosomes, and pigmented macrophages in both the spleen and head kidney.

Ultrastructural observations on the phagocytic behavior of winter flounder Pleuronectes americanus peritoneal neutrophils and macrophages in vivo

“…The horseshoe-shaped nuclear configuration observed for winter flounder neutrophils has also been reported for the neutrophils of other teleosts (Blelek 1981, Bodammer 1986, Doggett & Harris 1989, Bodammer et al 1990). Except for its granules, the cytoplasm of wlnter flounder neutrophlls was unspec- Flg 14 Pleuronectes dinericanus.…”

“…Peroxidase positive granules have also been observed in both developing and mature neutrophils in plaice (Ellis 1976) and in other species of teleosts (Cannon et al 1980a, Bielek 1981, Suzuki 1984, Bayne 1986, Hine et a!. 1986, Doggett et al 1987, Finco-Kect h Thune 1987, Bodammer et al 1990). Presently, the only explanation we can provide for the modest peroxidase reaction we observed in ihe yranuies or phdyosorlles (Fiys.…”

Cytopathology of spleen in eel Anguilla Anguilla exposed to a chemical spill in the Rhine River

“…Even under normal conditions, only few electron microscopical studies have been conducted on spleen cytology (Pulsford et al 1982, Zapata 1982, Bodammer et al 1990), phagocytosis (Fulop & McMillan 1984), pigment genesis (Agius & Agbede 1984), capillaries (Graf & Schliins 1979), and blood cells (Bielek 1978, Zapata 1980, Ishizeki et al 1984. There is a complete lack of toxicological investigations on the ultrastructure of fish spleen, although light microscopic and related studies on this organ have already proven valuable in the detection of pathological effects.…”

Melanomacrophages in three species of free‐ranging sharks from the northwestern Atlantic, the blue shark Prionacae glauca (L.), the shortfin mako, Isurus oxyrhinchus Rafinesque, and the thresher, Alopias vulpinus (Bonnaterre)

“…The functions postulated for MMC are similar to the functions of non‐specific immune responses in higher vertebrates encompassing the cells of the phagocytic system (Roberts 1975). In addition, the MMC are believed to be the sites of immune memory (Ellis 1980; Bodammer, Anderson & Dixon 1990; Press & Evensen 1999). The postulated principal reason for the aggregation of MMC is their ability to form intercellular connections and networks in trapping and processing of antigens and endogenous products of cellular degradation (Johnson, Nettikadan, Vengasandra, Lovan, Muys, Henderson & Christiansen 2005).…”