Qualitative and quantitative cytometric analysis of peripheral blood leukocytes in carps (Cyprinus carpio)

Abstract

The studies were performed involving qualitative and quantitative cytometric analysis of peripheral blood leukocytes in healthy carps at various stages of their ontogeny, i.e., in 3-to 29-month old carps. Three populations of leukocyte line cells were distinguished, which differed in forward scatter (FSC) and side scatter (90°, SSC) of laser light. The most abundant leukocyte pool was present in the eldest (23-to 29-month old) fish. Lower numbers of the cells were observed in the youngest (3-to 9-month old) carps while the lowest levels of the cells were detected in carps of the moderate age (11-to 21-month old). The leukocyte populations, distinguished on grounds of FSC/SSC characteristics, were suggested to correspond to lymphocytes/thrombocytes (low FSC, low SSC), granulocytes (high FSC, high SSC) and monocytes (high FSC, low SSC).