Isolation, cultivation and characterization of head kidney macrophages from Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua L.

Head kidney macrophages from Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua L., were isolated by density sedimentation and maintained under serum-free conditions for up to one week. The cells adhered and spread well on glass and plastic, were highly phagocytic, and had typical macrophage morphology as shown by phase contrast and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Histochemical studies with the light microscope showed that the macrophages were acid phosphatase and non-specific esterase positive, and alkaline phosphatase and peroxidase negative. Compared with unstimulated control cells, LPS-treated cells showed enhanced superoxide anion formation, as measured by the reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium, and increased levels of acid phosphatase activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]