Hemocyte morphology and phagocytic activity in the common cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis).

Charles Le Pabic (1) , Didier Goux (2) , Maryline Guillamin (1) , Georges Safi (1) , Jean-Marc Lebel (1) , Noussithé Kouéta (1) , Antoine Serpentini (1)

1 BOREA - Biologie des Organismes et Ecosystèmes Aquatiques
2 ICORE - Interactions Cellules Organismes Environnement

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.

Mots clés: Cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis); Cephalopod mollusks; Hemocyte population; Enzymatic assay; Phagocytosis

Domaines: Biologie animale

Charles Le Pabic, Didier Goux, Maryline Guillamin, Georges Safi, Jean-Marc Lebel, et al.. Hemocyte morphology and phagocytic activity in the common cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis).. Fish and Shellfish Immunology, 2014, 40 (2), pp.362-373. ⟨10.1016/j.fsi.2014.07.020⟩. ⟨hal-01062067⟩