Unit 1 - Fish Blood Constituents
Lymphocyte - Functions

Back to Lymphocytes

There is some evidence that fish lymphocytes are differentiated into at least two functional sub-populations with functions similar to those of B and T lymphocytes in mammals.  The function of lymphocytes is to mediate the humoral(HT6B3.3) and cellular immune response.

On making contact with foreign material (antigen) there is a proliferation of lymphocytes, which then secrete  large quantities of immunoglobulin antibody.

Definitions

B-LYMPHOCYTES:  White blood cells of the immune system derived from bone marrow and involved in the production of antibodies(HT6B3.1.a).

T-LYMPHOCYTES: Lymphoid cells whose development depends on the presence of the thymus; responsible for cell mediated immunity.

ANTIBODIES: A specific immunoglobulin molecule produced by vertebrates in response to an antigen; Antibodies are produced by B-lymphocytes and plasma cells and exhibit specific binding properties for the antigen which has caused their production; confers protection against infective agents exhibiting this antigen.

HUMORAL RESPONSE: Any immune response mediated by antibodies in the circulation.

CELLULAR IMMUNE RESPONSE: Any immune response mediated by the cellular components of the immune system.

IMMUNOGLOBULINS: Glycoproteins having the ability to bind antigens with a high degree of specificity.