Influence of rearing temperature changes on thrombocytes aggregation in rainbow trout

Abstract

Fish, as poikilotherms, are subjected to the influence of the environmental temperature. It has been already reported that fish immune system is influenced by temperature; however, no information is available concerning if temperature has any effect on thrombocytes. Thrombocytes from fish reared at 6°C, 10°C and 20°C were assessed for alteration in their aggregation capacity. Thrombocyte percentages were altered by the water temperature at which the fish was reared, decreasing from 19% (at 10°C) to 13% (at 6°C) and increasing to 24% (at 20°C). However, the aggregation capacity was not significantly compromised by these temperature changes in an individual cell basis, which would suggest a capability of this cell, to maintain this indispensable function at different temperatures.