The cellular immune response of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri Richardson) to sheep red blood cells.

The cellular immune response of rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri, to sheep erythrocytes was investigated. Both the primary and secondary responses were measured using the migration inhibition factor (MIF), antigen-binding (ABC), and plaque-forming cell (PFC) assays. These immune function assays provide measures of both T and B cell activity. The kinetics of these three responses at 16 degrees C were determined by sampling fish over an 18 day period for the primary response and a ten day period for the secondary response. The peak MIF response occurred two days after injection, while the primary peak PFC response was observed 14 days post-injection. Two ABC peaks were observed in the primary response, one at four days and one at ten days after injection. In the secondary response the peak ABC response was observed four days and the peak PFC response six days post-inoculation. The possible interrelationships of the various cell populations are discussed.