[In vitro parameters for understanding the immunocompetence of chickens of different lineage. 1. The cytotoxicity of avian whole blood against Saccharomyces cells].

A cytotoxicity test was performed as a parameter for the nonspecific defense capacity in chickens using blood and saccharomyces cells (SCT). The test has the special merit of frequent repetitions of the results by two parallel test arrangements. The results of individual animals were not altered during a period of 14 days, as well as relatively not being affected by actual day fluctuation as long as environmental changes or antigenic changes do not appear. The cytotoxic activity is due to cellular defense mechanisms, especially concerning the activity of granulocytes, thrombocytes and monocytes but not lymphocytes and erythrocytes. The lysozyme contents of plasma show a very space cytotoxic activity against saccharomyces cells.