%0 Journal Article %J Fish Shellfish Immunol %D 2014 %T Hemocyte morphology and phagocytic activity in the common cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis). %A Le Pabic, C %A Goux, Didier %A Guillamin, Maryline %A Safi, Georges %A Jean-Marc Lebel %A Siméoni Koueta-Noussithé %A Antoine Serpentini %X

Little is known about the immune system of cephalopods, in spite of their many highly derived characters within the molluscan clade, including a vertebrate-like high-pressure closed circulatory system. Further the economic importance of cephalopod fisheries, potential for aquaculture, and use as ecotoxicology models demand a thorough understanding of their immune system. In this study, we present a comprehensive characterization of hemocytes in the common cuttlefish Sepia officinalis. Cytological stainings, electron microscopy- and flow cytometry-observations highlight a single granulocyte population with various densities of eosinophilic granules and unstained vesicles. These hemocytes contain acid phosphatase-, lysozyme- and proPO system enzymes, and have high activity in bead phagocytosis assays. Interestingly, bead pre-incubation in plasma results in time-dependent aggregation perhaps resulting from hemocyanin-coating, and decrease in phagocytosis. This study provides the basis for understanding hemocyte-mediated immunity in the common cuttlefish, and essential background for future studies on cephalopod immunity.

%B Fish Shellfish Immunol %V 40 %P 362-73 %8 2014 Oct %G eng %N 2 %R 10.1016/j.fsi.2014.07.020