Differentiation of immune cells challenged by bacteria in the common European starfish, Asterias rubens (Echinodermata)

摘要: Amoebocytes are the main effector cells of echinoderm immune system. In starfishes, a taxon in which bacterial diseases have been rarely reported, amoebocytes considered to be only circulating and cell type. The present paper addresses question amoebocyte differentiation starfish Asterias rubens when challenged by bacteria. Starfishes were injected with FITC-coupled bacteria (Micrococcus luteus). collected at regular time intervals for 24 h. cytometric characteristics phagocytic activity studied flow cytometry. Three groups different size identified. concentrations two largest more numerous these (G2 G3) modulated stimulation while group smallest, less numerous, (G1) was unaffected. All but their kinetics activation ingestion differed. G1 showed lowest G3 had highest fastest activity. Starfish appear segregated three groups, them being immunomodulated one presenting very fast reaction It is suggested that high efficiency system starfishes related this reaction.