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Development of a Suite of Functional Immune Assays and Initial Assessment of Their Utility in Wild Smallmouth Bass Health Assessments

Open-File Report 2020-1077
Prepared in cooperation with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
By: , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20201077

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Abstract

Methods were developed for measuring immune function in Micropterus dolomieu (smallmouth bass). The ultimate objective is to monitor and evaluate changes over time in immune status and disease resistance in conjunction with other characteristics of fish health and environmental stressors. To test these methods for utility in ecotoxicological studies, 192 smallmouth bass, age 2 years and older, were collected from three sites within the Susquehanna River Basin and one site in the Ohio River Basin during spring and fall 2016 and 2017. The anterior kidney was aseptically removed and homogenized for leukocyte isolation. Leukocytes were tested for bactericidal activity against two species of bacteria; respiratory burst activity when stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate; and mitogenesis activity when stimulated with concanavalin A, phytohemagglutinin, and lipopolysaccharide. Tissues were preserved for histopathological analyses.

Two of the sites were part of a monitoring program at which surface-water samples were collected monthly (bimonthly in spring) for chemical contaminants. Significant seasonal and (or) site differences in all three immune function tests were observed. Interpretations of seasonal trends in immune function of wild fish or correlations with environmental variables and other factors are difficult to make owing to the complex nature of the immune response and the environment. Differences in immune function could potentially be related to a variety of confounding factors; therefore, additional endpoints and repeated sampling over an extended period are essential to draw conclusions on the immune status of wild fish.

Suggested Citation

Smith, C.R., Ottinger, C.A., Walsh, H.L., and Blazer, V.S., 2020, Development of a suite of functional immune assays and initial assessment of their utility in wild smallmouth bass health assessments: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2020–1077, 23 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20201077.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Materials and Methods
  • Biometric Data and Immune Function Results
  • Summary of Findings
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Development of a suite of functional immune assays and initial assessment of their utility in wild smallmouth bass health assessments
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2020-1077
DOI 10.3133/ofr20201077
Year Published 2020
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Leetown Science Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center
Description vii, 23 p.
Country United States
State Pennsylvania
Other Geospatial Tionesta Lake, Pine Creek, Upper Juniata River, West Branch Mahantango Creek
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details