Leukophilia during maturation of the leopard grouper Mycteroperca rosacea
In: Marine Biology Research. Taylor & Francis: Oslo; Basingstoke. ISSN 1745-1000; e-ISSN 1745-1019, more
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| Keywords |
Maturation
Mycteroperca rosacea (Streets, 1877) [WoRMS]
Marine/Coastal |
| Author keywords |
Grouper; I; Mycteroperca; oestradiol |
| Authors | | Top |
- Burgos-Aceves, M.A.
- Campos-Ramos, R.
- Guerrero-Tortolero, D.A.
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| Abstract |
In spring, peripheral blood of mature-ripe female leopard groupers showed leukophilia after an increase of lymphocytes and thrombocytes, followed by a differential increase of monocytes and granulocytes. In mature-ripe males, granulophilia and thrombophilia were evident. Leukocytes were distinguishable in some ovarian blood vessels where post-ovulatory follicles were present. These observations suggest coordination of endocrine-immune activity, where, after one spawning event, leukocytes infiltrate the gonad tissue from the peripheral blood to aid with immune surveillance and phagocyte activity, while a feedback of sex steroids and vitellogenesis occurs in preparation for the next spawning. An abundance of leukocytes may also aid in gonad reabsorption during post-spawning. Leukophilia coincided with high plasma concentrations of oestradiol and testosterone, which together with leukocytes, decreased greatly in immature-active groupers in summer. Blood cell counts, erythroblasts, and haematocrit of mature-ripe groupers in spring were significantly lower than immature-active groupers in summer, suggesting mild anorexia induced by reproductive behaviour. |
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