THE IMMUNOMODULATORY EFFECT OF LPS, LAMINARAN AND SULFATED LAMINARAN [BETA(1,3)-D-GLUCAN] ON ATLANTIC SALMON, SALMO-SALAR L, MACROPHAGES IN-VITRO

The stimulatory effect of LPS (Vibrio anguillarum), laminaran and sulphated laminaran, aqueous soluble beta(1,6)-branched beta(1,3)-D-glucan obtained from Laminaria hyperborea, on head kidney macrophages of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., is reported. The macrophages, after stimulation with LPS or laminaran, showed pronounced spreading, membrane ruffling and increased organelle content when examined by light microscopy. LPS stimulation induced enhanced phagocytic and pinocytic activity, higher intracellular production of superoxide anion, and higher activity of acid phosphatase compared to control cells. Native laminaran stimulated the cells to pinocytose more fluid phase, increase the intracellular production of superoxide anion and to elevate the activity of acid phosphatase. Sulphated laminaran induced higher production of superoxide anion and higher activity of acid phosphatase by macrophages than in control cells.