Depression of phagocytosis in grass carp ctenopharyngodon idella following chemical stress

ABSTRACT

The phagocytic efficiency of macrophages of grass carp was determined in fish exposed to sublethal level of phenol [15 ppm] for two months. Phagocytosis activity was reduced significantly [P<0.01] in the treated fish compared to control. The phagocytic activity of exposed fish returned to normal after the fish was held in clean water for 30 days. This indicated that the decreased phagocytic activity was related to exposure to phenol but may be reversible